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Zakurdaeva K, Tsimafeyeu I. Immunotherapy in cancer patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection. J Cancer Res Ther 2023; 19:1093-1097. [PMID: 37787268 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_2095_21] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Disease management in challenging patient population with cancer and concomitant serious conditions presents an unmet clinical need. The major gap is the lack of data from properly designed trials that could support clinical decisions. Despite many advances in the fields of oncology, immunology, and infectious diseases, chronic viral infections in cancer patients remain to some extent terra incognita. Therefore, many patients lose the opportunity to receive the most advanced therapy, and physicians are compelled to make treatment decisions without sufficient evidence. In this review, we discuss the utility of immunotherapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C viral infection. Limited data from several studies and case reports support the hypothesis that immune checkpoint inhibitors can be used safely and effectively in this patient population. Available results warrant further investigation of immunotherapy in infected patients. Taking into account the current state of our knowledge, expanding clinical trial eligibility should be considered by investigators and sponsors to allow patient access to novel therapies and better matching of clinical research to the real-world population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilya Tsimafeyeu
- Foundation for Cancer Research Support (RakFond); Bureau of Cancer Research, Moscow, Russia
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2
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Tagliamento M, Remon J, Giaj Levra M, De Maria A, Bironzo P, Besse B, Novello S, Mezquita L. Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Cancer and Infection by Hepatitis B or C Virus: A Perspective Through the Results of a European Survey. JTO Clin Res Rep 2022; 4:100446. [PMID: 36687558 PMCID: PMC9853354 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2022.100446] [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: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with cancer and hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are underrepresented in several clinical trials testing immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Consequently, safety and efficacy of ICI therapy in this population have not been completely defined. We aimed to evaluate the attitudes of oncologists on this topic. Methods We conducted a 14-item European anonymous online survey. Results Physicians from 56 oncology departments (26 from Italy, 15 from France, and 15 from Spain) took part in the survey. They mainly used to prescribe ICIs for treating patients with lung cancer, melanoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Of them, 95% recognized the need for specific guidelines addressing the management of patients with cancer and HBV or HCV treated with ICIs. Just 63% of the respondents screened patients for HBV and HCV status before ICIs initiation, although the risk of immune-related hepatotoxicity or viral reactivation was a major concern for most of them. Only 9% of the surveyed oncologists considered HBV and HCV infection a major exclusion criterion for receiving ICIs. Furthermore, 29% of the respondents would start a prophylactic treatment of active infection at ICIs initiation. Conclusions ICIs administration in patients with cancer and HBV or HCV infection is of concern for most of the surveyed European oncologists. Nonetheless, active screening and treatment of viral hepatitis should be improved. Data in this specific setting are needed for an evidence-based management and should be generated by broadening inclusion criteria of clinical trials to allow the enrollment of patients with HBV and HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Tagliamento
- Cancer Medicine Department, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France,Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (Di.M.I.), University of Genova, Genova, Italy,Corresponding author. Address for correspondence: Marco Tagliamento, MD, Cancer Medicine Department, Gustave Roussy, 114 Rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France.
| | - Jordi Remon
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro Integral Oncológico Clara Campal (HM-CIOCC), Hospital HM Delfos, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Andrea De Maria
- Division of Infectious Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, DISSAL, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Bironzo
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Benjamin Besse
- Cancer Medicine Department, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Silvia Novello
- Thoracic Oncology Unit, Department of Oncology, San Luigi Hospital, University of Torino, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Laura Mezquita
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain,Laboratory of Translational Genomic and Targeted Therapies in Solid Tumors, IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain
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3
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Bhardwaj M, Chiu MN, Pilkhwal Sah S. Adverse cutaneous toxicities by PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors: Pathogenesis, Treatment, and Surveillance. Cutan Ocul Toxicol 2022; 41:73-90. [PMID: 35107396 DOI: 10.1080/15569527.2022.2034842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Introduction-The therapeutic use of humanized monoclonal programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) (pembrolizumab, and nivolumab) and programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) (atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab) immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICPi) as potent anticancer therapies is rapidly increasing. The mechanism of signaling of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 involves triggering cytotoxic CD4+/CD8 + T cell activation and subsequent abolition of cancer cells which induces specific immunologic adverse events that are specific to these therapies. These drugs can cause numerous cutaneous reactions and are characterized as the most frequent immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Majority of cutaneous irAEs range from nonspecific eruptions to detectible skin manifestations, which may be self-limiting and present acceptable skin toxicity profiles, while some may produce life-threatening complications.Objective-.This review aims to illuminate the associated cutaneous irAEs related to drugs used in oncology along with the relevant mechanism(s) and management.Areas covered-Literature was searched using various databases including Pub-Med, Google Scholar, and Medline. The search mainly involved research articles, retrospective studies, case reports, and clinicopathological findings. With this review article, an overview of the cutaneous irAEs with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy, as well as suggestions, have been provided, so that their recognition at early stages could help in better management and would prevent treatment discontinuation.Article highlightsCutaneous adverse effects are the most prevalent immune-related adverse events induced by anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immune-checkpoint antibodies.Cutaneous toxicities mainly manifest in the form of maculopapular rash and pruritus.More specific cutaneous complications can also occur, including vitiligo, worsened psoriasis, lichenoid dermatitis, mucosal involvement (e.g., oral lichenoid reaction), dermatomyositis, lupus erythematosus.Cutaneous manifestations can be life-threatening including Stevens-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN).Dermatologic toxicities are usually mild, readily manageable, and rarely result in significant morbidity.Adequate management of the cutaneous adverse event and recognition in early stages could lead to the prevention of worsening of the lesions and limit treatment disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maitry Bhardwaj
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Mei Nee Chiu
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
| | - Sangeeta Pilkhwal Sah
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 160014, India
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4
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Spagnoletti A, Platania M, Brambilla M, Occhipinti M, Canziani L, Cabras A, Provenzano L, Leone AG, Ambrosini P, Prelaj A. Systemic lupus erythematosus reactivation after chemoimmunotherapy in preexisting autoimmune disease. TUMORI JOURNAL 2022; 108:609-614. [PMID: 34989254 DOI: 10.1177/03008916211067565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) offers new possibilities in modern treatment of many types of cancers. Few data regarding safety and efficacy of ICIs are available, and are mainly from retrospective studies and case reports rather than from clinical trials, in the context of preexisting autoimmune disease, mainly due to the risk of severe toxicity. We present an unexpected life-threatening reactivation of systemic lupus erythematosus after one dose of chemo-immunotherapy with pembrolizumab for oligometastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. We analyze data coming from the published literature in this setting and discuss the risk-benefit balance of immunotherapy in patients with preexisting severe autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Spagnoletti
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Platania
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Brambilla
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Mario Occhipinti
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Canziani
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonello Cabras
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Provenzano
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Giovanni Leone
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Ambrosini
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Arsela Prelaj
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.,Department of Electronics, Information, and Bioengineering, Polytechnic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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5
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Klavdianou K, Melissaropoulos K, Filippopoulou A, Daoussis D. Should we be Afraid of Immune Check Point Inhibitors in Cancer Patients with Pre-Existing Rheumatic Diseases? Immunotherapy in Pre-Existing Rheumatic Diseases. Mediterr J Rheumatol 2021; 32:218-226. [PMID: 34964025 PMCID: PMC8693295 DOI: 10.31138/mjr.32.3.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Cancer immunotherapy is rapidly expanding but its clinical efficacy is hampered by immune related adverse events (ir-AE). There is a concern regarding patients with pre-existing auto-immune diseases (PAD) undergoing immunotherapy. Methods: An electronic search was performed (Medline) to identify cases of patients with PAD treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Results: Published data are rather limited but continue to emerge. Patients with PAD exhibit a high risk of PAD flare and/or de novo ir-AE. In most cases PAD flares and de novo irAEs were not severe and could be managed effectively with standard treatment. Conclusions: This risk in patients with PAD appears acceptable, and therefore, these patients could receive immunotherapy under close monitoring. Collaboration of oncologists and rheumatologists for the management of these patients is crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alexandra Filippopoulou
- Clinical Immunology-Rheumatology Unit, 2nd Department of Medicine and Laboratory, Hippokration General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Daoussis
- Department of Rheumatology, Patras University Hospital, University of Patras Medical School, Patras, Greece
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6
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Kalinka E, Chmielewska I, Wojas-Krawczyk K. Viral Infection and Lung Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:577514. [PMID: 34434887 PMCID: PMC8381362 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.577514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors (mainly anti-PD1 and anti-PDL1 monoclonal antibodies) became a standard of care in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Most of the clinical trials excluded patients with hepatitis B (HBV), hepatis C (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) active infection (1-10). Despite the progress in treatment of these infections, they remain an unresolved clinical problem when lung cancer immunotherapy should be initiated in an NSCLC patient. This manuscript summarizes the data from the literature concerning this subgroup of patients including the rationale for immunotherapy initiation depending on the HBV, HCV, or HIV infection status; the risk of adverse events; and the efficacy compared to non-infected patients. One of the crucial questions is how the candidates to immunotherapy should be screened for HBV, HCV, and HIV infections. The year 2020 brought the world a new but dynamic viral problem-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2). The incorporation of known data in oncology guidelines became a burning need, and then, which group of the infected patients can be treated with immunotherapy despite the infection. Oncologists should also know if these patients should receive antiviral therapy and what are the safe combinations in these settings. We also indicate which of the adverse events should be monitored carefully during checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Kalinka
- Department of Oncology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital – Research Institute, Lodz, Poland
| | - Izabela Chmielewska
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kamila Wojas-Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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7
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Wu C, Zhong L, Wu Q, Lin S, Xie X. The safety and efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in patients with cancer and pre-existing autoimmune diseases. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:527-539. [PMID: 33715386 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study aims at investigating the safety and efficacy of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in patients with cancer and pre-existing autoimmune disease (AID). Materials & methods: PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for relevant studies. The primary end points of the study were immunotoxicity and cancer response. Results: At the early use of ICIs, compared with those with active AID, grade 3-4 AID flare occurred more frequently in patients with inactive AID after treatment with ICIs; and the incidence of grade 3-4 immunotoxic effects was significantly lower in patients undergoing immunosuppressive therapy than those without corresponding treatment. In addition, patients with worsening AID generally obtained a better objective response than those without a flare. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the toxic effects induced by immunotherapy are generally manageable in patients with cancer and pre-existing AID, some of whom even achieve satisfactory antitumor effects in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlan Wu
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No 20, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, PR China
| | - Li Zhong
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No 20, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, PR China
| | - Qing Wu
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No 20, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, PR China
| | - Shaowei Lin
- Department of Epidemiology & Health Statistics, Public Health School of Fujian Medical University, 1th Xueyuan Road, Fuzhou, Fujian 350100, PR China
| | - Xianhe Xie
- Department of Oncology, Molecular Oncology Research Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No 20, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, PR China.,Fujian Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, the First Affiliated hospital, Fujian Medical University, Chazhong Road No 20, Fuzhou 350005, Fujian, PR China
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8
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Zullo L, Rossi G, Dellepiane C, Tagliamento M, Alama A, Coco S, Longo L, Pronzato P, Maria AD, Genova C. Safety and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in non-small-cell lung cancer: focus on challenging populations. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:509-525. [PMID: 33626932 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2020-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have represented one of the major breakthroughs in advanced non-small cell lung cancer treatment scenario. However, enrollment in registering clinical trials is usually restricted, since frail patients (i.e., elderly, individuals with poor performance status and/or active brain metastases), as well as patients with chronic infections or who take concurrent medications, such as steroids, are routinely excluded. Thus, safety and efficacy of ICIs for these subgroups have not been adequately assessed in clinical trials, although these populations often occur in clinical practice. We reviewed the available data regarding the use of ICIs in these 'special' populations, including a focus on the issues raised by the administration of immunotherapy in lung cancer patients infected with Sars-Cov-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lodovica Zullo
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Rossi
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy.,Department of Medical, Surgical & Experimental Sciences, Università degli Studi di Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Chiara Dellepiane
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Tagliamento
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Angela Alama
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Coco
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Luca Longo
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Pronzato
- UO Oncologia Medica 2; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- UO Clinica di Malattie Infettive e Tropicali; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DISSAL), Università degli Studi di Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy
| | - Carlo Genova
- UOC Clinica di Oncologia Medica, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16100 Genova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Specialità Mediche (DiMI), Università degli Studi di Genova, 16100 Genova, Italy
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9
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Kubiatowski T, Nicoś M, Krawczyk P. Lung Cancer Immunotherapy in Transplant Patients and in Patients With Autoimmune Diseases. Front Oncol 2020; 10:568081. [PMID: 33330040 PMCID: PMC7710966 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.568081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) delivered great and new possibilities in modern treatment of many types of cancers. This therapy based on blockade of such molecules as CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen), PD-1 (programmed cell death receptor type 1), or PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) brings a new hope for patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, or head and neck squamous carcinoma. Efficacy of immunotherapy was proven in many clinical trials. Unfortunately, ICIs treatment was not addressed to the patients with preexisting allogeneic transplants or autoimmune diseases mainly due to high risk of transplant rejection, exacerbation of autoimmune diseases, and risk of serious toxicity. However, it is possible to receive anti-tumor response to ICIs treatment avoiding graft rejection by adjusting the immunosuppression. Obviously, it depends on the type of transplants: the use of immunotherapy is usually possible in kidney or corneal recipients, but it could be difficult in patients with liver and heart transplant. Therefore, the development of biomarkers for tumor response and transplant rejection in ICIs treated patients is essential. Data coming from published literature support the possibilities of using ICIs in patients with preexisting autoimmune diseases who undergoing proper management of side effects of immunotherapy or when the potential benefits of such treatment outweigh the potential risks. This depends on the type of autoimmune disease and may be difficult or not feasible in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus or systemic sclerosis. Therefore, it may be appropriate to include cancer patients with preexisting autoimmune disease or with allogeneic transplants in clinical trials using immunotherapy when no other effective cancer treatment options exist.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Kubiatowski
- Department of Medical Oncology, Center of Oncology of the Lublin Region, Lublin, Poland
| | - Marcin Nicoś
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paweł Krawczyk
- Department of Pneumonology, Oncology and Allergology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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10
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Coureau M, Meert AP, Berghmans T, Grigoriu B. Efficacy and Toxicity of Immune -Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With Preexisting Autoimmune Disorders. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:137. [PMID: 32457912 PMCID: PMC7220995 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is an important armamentarium for cancer treatment nowadays. Apart from their significant effectiveness in controlling disease they also generate potential severe immune related adverse effects. Preexistence of immune related conditions may eventually predispose to the development of more severe complication and extreme caution have been taken in treating these patients. We performed a literature review searching for case reports and case series in order to offer evidence-based data for clinical management of these patients. Preexisting serological-only immune abnormalities or presence of a predisposing genetic background does not seem to confer significant risk but existing data is scarce. Most patients with preexistent autoimmune diseases can probably treated with checkpoint inhibitors as they seem to have at least the same response rate as the general cancer population. Under treatment, a significant part of them (at least 30%) can experience a flare of their baseline disease which can sometime be severe. Life-threatening cases seems rare and disease flare can be generally managed with steroids. The volume of available data is more important for rheumatologic diseases than for inflammatory bowel diseases were more caution should be observed. However, it has to be kept in mind that new immune related adverse effects (IrAE) are seen with a similar frequency as the flare of the baseline disease. Both flare-up's and newly developed IrAE are generally manageable with a careful clinical follow-up and prompt therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Coureau
- Service des Soins Intensifs et Urgences Oncologiques, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anne-Pascale Meert
- Service des Soins Intensifs et Urgences Oncologiques, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thierry Berghmans
- Service d'Oncologie Medicale, Unité d'Oncologie Thoracique, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bogdan Grigoriu
- Service des Soins Intensifs et Urgences Oncologiques, Institut Jules Bordet, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Antonuzzo A, Calabrò F, Quaglino P, Roila F, Sebastiani GD, Spina F, Pasqualetti G, Cortinovis D, Tagliaferri E, Peri A, Presotto EM, Egidi MF, Giacomelli L, Farroni F, Di Maio M, De Luca E, Danova M, Scottè F, Jordan K, Bossi P. Immunotherapy in Underrepresented Populations of Patients with Cancer: Do We Have Enough Evidence at Present? A Focus on Patients with Major Viral Infections and Autoimmune Disorders. Oncologist 2020; 25:e946-e954. [PMID: 32181960 DOI: 10.1634/theoncologist.2020-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The safety and activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors have been characterized in interventional and observational studies. However, only small studies have specifically investigated these agents in patients who are excluded or underrepresented in clinical trials, frequently referred to as "special populations" or "underrepresented populations." These include older adults, those with dysregulated immune activation, patients with a compromised immune function, and those carrying major viral infections, lymphoproliferative diseases, and major organ dysfunctions. Therefore, there remains substantial uncertainty regarding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in these specific settings. The Network of Italian Supportive Care in Oncology has carried out a multidisciplinary project, with the contribution of oncologists and other specialists, to retrieve the existing evidence on the use of immunotherapy in patients with solid and hematological cancers with the final aim to provide an expert guidance. The results of this effort are presented in this article, which is focused on patients with major viral infections or those with immune dysregulation/autoimmune diseases, and could be useful to guide decisions in clinical practice and to design prospective clinical trials focusing on the use of immunotherapy in these populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Substantial uncertainty remains regarding the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in "underrepresented" patients, such as older adults, those with dysregulated immune activation, and patients with a compromised immune function, major viral infections, lymphoproliferative diseases or major organ dysfunctions. The Network of Italian Supportive Care in Oncology has carried out a multidisciplinary project to retrieve the existing evidence on the use of immunotherapy in underrepresented patients with cancer in order provide an expert guidance. The results of this effort, with a focus on patients with major viral infections or those with immune dysregulation/autoimmune diseases, are presented in this article and could be useful to guide decisions both in clinical practice and to design clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Antonuzzo
- UO Oncologia 1 SSN Polo Oncologico, Ambulatorio Terapie di Supporto, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Quaglino
- Dermatologic Clinic, Department of Medical Sciences, Turin, Italy
| | - Fausto Roila
- Department of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera, Universitaria Perugia, Italy
| | - Gian Domenico Sebastiani
- Unità Operativa Complessa di Reumatologia, Ospedale di Alta Specializzazione "San Camillo,", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Spina
- Division of Hematology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Alessandro Peri
- Sodium Unit, Endocrinology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Mario Serio, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Margherita Presotto
- Sodium Unit, Endocrinology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, Mario Serio, University of Florence, Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Luca Giacomelli
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Polistudium SRL, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferruccio Farroni
- Gastroenterology Department, Foligno Hospital, Unità Sanitaria Locale Umbria 2, Foligno, Italy
| | - Massimo Di Maio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Emmanuele De Luca
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Division of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero Ordine Mauriziano Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Marco Danova
- Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, Vigevano Civic Hospital, Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale (ASST) of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Florian Scottè
- Medical Oncology and Supportive Care Department, Hôpital Foch, Suresnes, France
| | - Karin Jordan
- Leitende Oberärztin, Klinik für Hämatologie, Onkologie und Rheumatologie, Innere Medizin V, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Paolo Bossi
- Medical Oncology, University of Brescia, ASST-Spedali Civili, Brescia, Italy
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Nivolumab in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:983-988. [PMID: 32078017 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02521-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) interferes with activation of innate and adaptive immune responses. Theoretically, the efficacy and toxicity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer patients infected with HCV may differ. Nevertheless, HCV was an exclusion criterion in most checkpoint inhibitor trials. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of nivolumab in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) patients with or without chronic HCV infection. METHODS In a matched cohort study, data were collected from 174 patients, retrospectively. All patients had clear-cell mRCC, chronic HCV infection (case study group), no evidence of other malignancy or cirrhosis, and had received nivolumab (3 mg/kg every 2 weeks) until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Quantitation of HCV RNA in plasma samples was performed before and during treatment with nivolumab with the automated HCV test (Hoffmann-La Roche, Switzerland). The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and rate of grade 3-4 adverse events in study and control cohorts. RESULTS A total of 44 matched patients were included. Groups were well balanced. HCV-infected patients had significantly longer OS and PFS. Median OS was 27.5 (95% CI 25.3-29.7) and 21.7 (20.3-23.1) in study and control groups, respectively (P = 0.005). Median PFS was 7.5 (5.7-9.3) and 4.9 (4-5.8) (P = 0.013). Despite no differences in ORR between groups (27% vs. 23%, P = 0.7), patients with HCV had significantly more durable responses (P = 0.01). Nivolumab was well tolerated in all HCV-positive patients. No unexpected toxicity was observed. Assessment of viral load during nivolumab therapy was available in 14 of 22 (64%) patients with HCV. Nivolumab did not significantly impact HCV concentration (mean change 210 IU/ml, P = 0.82) in the absence of antiviral therapy. CONCLUSIONS The efficacy and safety profiles observed in this study support the administration of nivolumab in mRCC patients infected with HCV and warrant further investigation.
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