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Nemunaitis J, Stanbery L, Walter A, Wallraven G, Nemunaitis A, Horvath S, Bognar E, Rao D, Engle S, Brun S, Ghisoli M, Rocconi RP, Monk BJ, Coleman RL. Gemogenovatucel-T (Vigil): bi-shRNA plasmid-based targeted immunotherapy. Future Oncol 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39101448 DOI: 10.1080/14796694.2024.2376518] [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: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
We describe in this review the historical evidence leading up to the concept and design of Vigil and subsequent clinical applications including safety and efficacy in a randomized, controlled Phase IIB trial. Vigil (gemogenovatucel-T) is a unique triple function targeted immunotherapy that demonstrates preclinical and clinical systemic anticancer activity. Construction of Vigil involves harvest of autologous malignant tissue for neoantigen targeting (ideally containing clonal neoantigens) followed by a two-day process involving transfection with a plasmid to provide a permissive 'training environment' for the patient's immune system. Transfected plasmid components contain an expressive human GMCSF DNA segment to enhance anticancer immune functional response and a second component expressing bi-shRNAfurin which reduces TGFβ isomers (TGFβ1 and TGFβ2) thereby reducing cancer inhibition of the targeted immune response. Results generated to date justify advancement to confirmatory clinical trials supporting product regulatory approval.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Scott Brun
- Gold Mast Consulting, LLC, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA
| | | | - Rodney P Rocconi
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Bradley J Monk
- HonorHealth Research Institute, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
- Creigton University, School of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85012, USA
| | - Robert L Coleman
- Texas Oncology, US Oncology Network, The Woodlands, TX 77380, USA
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2
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Wang W, Fan J, Zhang C, Huang Y, Chen Y, Fu S, Wu J. Targeted modulation of gut and intra-tumor microbiota to improve the quality of immune checkpoint inhibitor responses. Microbiol Res 2024; 282:127668. [PMID: 38430889 DOI: 10.1016/j.micres.2024.127668] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies, such as those blocking the interaction of PD-1 with its ligands, can restore the immune-killing function of T cells. However, ICI therapy is clinically beneficial in only a small number of patients, and it is difficult to predict post-treatment outcomes, thereby limiting its widespread clinical use. Research suggests that gut microbiota can regulate the host immune system and affect cancer progression and treatment. Moreover, the effectiveness of immunotherapy is related to the composition of the patient's gut microbiota; different gut microbial strains can either activate or inhibit the immune response. However, the importance of the microbial composition within the tumor has not been explored until recently. This study describes recent advances in the crosstalk between microbes in tumors and gut microbiota, which can modulate the tumor microbiome by directly translocating into the tumor and altering the tumor microenvironment. This study focused on the potential manipulation of the tumor and gut microbiota using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), probiotics, antimicrobials, prebiotics, and postbiotics to enrich immune-boosting bacteria while decreasing unfavorable bacteria to proactively improve the efficacy of ICI treatments. In addition, the use of genetic technologies and nanomaterials to modify microorganisms can largely optimize tumor immunotherapy and advance personalized and precise cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- WeiZhou Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - JunYing Fan
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - Yue Chen
- Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
| | - ShaoZhi Fu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
| | - JingBo Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China; Academician (Expert) Workstation of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China.
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De Gaetano V, Pallozzi M, Cerrito L, Santopaolo F, Stella L, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Management of Portal Hypertension in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma on Systemic Treatment: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1388. [PMID: 38611066 PMCID: PMC11011056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071388] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The management of CSPH in patients undergoing systemic treatment for HCC has emerged as a critical concern due to the absence of reliable diagnostic criteria and uncertainties surrounding therapeutic approaches. This review aims to underscore the primary pathophysiological aspects linking HCC and PH, while also addressing the current and emerging clinical strategies for the management of portal hypertension. A review of studies from January 2003 to June 2023 was conducted using the PubMed database and employing MeSH terms, such as "hepatocellular carcinoma", "immune checkpoint inhibitors", "systemic therapy", "portal hypertension", "variceal bleeding" and "tyrosine kinase inhibitors". Despite promising results of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in animal models for PH and fibrosis, only Sorafenib has demonstrated similar effects in human studies, whereas Lenvatinib appears to promote PH development. The impact of Atezolizumab/Bevacizumab on PH remains uncertain, with an increasing risk of bleeding related to Bevacizumab in patients with prior variceal hemorrhage. Given the absence of specific guidelines, endoscopic surveillance during treatment is advisable, and primary and secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding should adhere to the Baveno VII recommendations. Furthermore, in patients with advanced HCC, refinement of diagnostic criteria for CSPH and guidelines for its surveillance are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria De Gaetano
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Leonardo Stella
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia Traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Ponziani
- Liver Unit, Centro Malattie dell’Apparato Digerente (CEMAD), Medicina Interna e Gastroenterologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario GemelliIstituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy; (V.D.G.); (M.P.); (L.C.); (F.S.); (L.S.); (F.R.P.)
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4
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Shaopeng Z, Yang Z, Yuan F, Chen H, Zhengjun Q. Regulation of regulatory T cells and tumor-associated macrophages in gastric cancer tumor microenvironment. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6959. [PMID: 38349050 PMCID: PMC10839124 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite advancements in the methods for prevention and early diagnosis of gastric cancer (GC), GC continues to be the fifth in incidence among major cancers and the third most common cause of cancer-related death. The therapeutic effects of surgery and drug treatment are still unsatisfied and show notable differences according to the tumor microenvironment (TME) of GC. METHODS Through screening Pubmed, Embase, and Web of Science, we identified and summarized the content of recent studies that focus on the investigation of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME of GC. Furthermore, we searched and outlined the clinical research progress of various targeted drugs in GC treatment including CTLA-4, PD-1\PD-L1, and VEGF/VEGFR. RESULTS In this review, the findings indicate that Hp infection causes local inflammation and leads to immunosuppressive environment. High Tregs infiltration in the TME of GC is associated with increased induction and recruitment; the exact function of infiltrated Tregs in GC was also affected by phenotypes and immunosuppressive molecules. TAMs promote the development and metastasis of tumors, the induction, recruitment, and function of TAMs in the TME of gastric cancer are also regulated by various factors. CONCLUSION Discussing the distinct tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of GC can deepen our understanding on the mechanism of cancer immune evasion, invasion, and metastasis, help us to reduce the incidence of GC, and guide the innovation of new therapeutic targets for GC eventually.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Shaopeng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Fang Yuan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Huang Chen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Qiu Zhengjun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiaotong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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Dudek AZ, Xi MX, Scilla KA, Mamdani H, Creelan BC, Saltos A, Tanvetyanon T, Chiappori A. Phase 2 Trial of Nivolumab and Ramucirumab for Relapsed Mesothelioma: HCRN-LUN15-299. JTO Clin Res Rep 2023; 4:100584. [PMID: 38046376 PMCID: PMC10689266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2023.100584] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We hypothesized that ramucirumab could increase previously reported objective response rate (ORR) of 11% of single-agent nivolumab in the second-line therapy of unresectable mesothelioma. Methods This was a cooperative group, single-arm, phase 2 trial enrolling patients with unresectable mesothelioma after progression on more than or equal to one pemetrexed-containing regimen. Ramucirumab and nivolumab were given intravenously every 14 days for up to 24 months. The primary end point was ORR; secondary end points were progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 24 weeks and overall survival (OS). Results Between April 2018 and October 2021, 34 patients were recruited. Median age was 72 (range: 40-89) years, 12% were women, and 79% of tumors had epithelial histology. Median follow-up was 10.2 months (interquartile range 19.6 mo [4.3-23.8]). ORR was 22.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 9.6%-41.1%) in all population and 43% (95% CI: 10%-82%) in patients with nonepithelioid histology. Of all patients, 45.2% (95% CI: 27.3%-64.0%) had stable disease. PFS rate at 24 weeks was 32% (95% CI: 17%-51%). Median PFS was 4.2 months (95% CI: 1.9-6.4 mo). Median OS was 12.5 months (95% CI: 6.3-23.5 mo). There was no grade greater than or equal to four toxicity. Programmed death-ligand 1 expression in the tumor did not correlate with benefit from treatment. Activation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in response to treatment was associated with a trend toward improvement in PFS. Conclusions Nivolumab and ramucirumab combination was safe and generated PFS and OS rates and ORR that compare favorably with single-agent nivolumab in a similar patient population. The primary end point of 40% ORR was not reached. Further investigation of this regimen in mesothelioma with nonepithelioid histology may be warranted. Clinical Trial Information: NCT03502746.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Z. Dudek
- HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Min X. Xi
- HealthPartners Institute, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Katherine A. Scilla
- Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Hirva Mamdani
- Karmanos Cancer Center, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
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Zhang D, Sun R, Di C, Li L, Zhao F, Han Y, Zhang W. Microdissection of cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration subtypes unveils the secreted SERPINE2 contributing to immunosuppressive microenvironment and immuotherapeutic resistance in gastric cancer: A large-scale study integrating bulk and single-cell transcriptome profiling. Comput Biol Med 2023; 166:107406. [PMID: 37729702 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107406] [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: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
In the era of immunotherapy, the suboptimal response rate and the development of acquired resistance among the initial beneficiaries continue to present significant challenges across multiple malignancies, including gastric cancer (GC). Considering that the interactions of tumor stroma, especially the cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), with immune and tumor cells, play indispensable roles in tumor progression, tumor microenvironment remodeling and therapeutic responsiveness, in-depth exploration on the roles of CAFs and pivotal mediators of their functions may provide novel clues to increase the effectiveness of current immunotherapeutic drugs and further achieve synergistic antitumor response. Herein, through the consensus clustering of canonical biomarkers, three GC subclasses with different abundance of CAFs were virtually microdissected in four integrated bulk cohorts encompassing 2148 GC patients from 11 independent datasets. An extensive immunogenomic analysis revealed that tumors with high CAFs infiltration were characterized with unfavorable outcomes, aggressive phenotypes, decreased tumor immunogenicity, high risk of immune evasion and thus immunotherapeutic resistance. By leveraging large-scale single-cell transcriptomic profiling, a series of CAF-secreted proteins were identified, among which the SERPINE2 was confirmed to be restrictively enriched in stromal fibroblasts of GC tissues and contribute to promoting a protumor milieu and fostering an immunosuppressive microenvironment via bioinformatics computations and tissue microarray analysis. Moreover, pan-cancer investigations generalized the immunological roles of SERPINE2, especially in pan-gastrointestinal malignancies, with multiple real-world immunotherapy cohorts further confirming its implications on predicting immunotherapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the CAF-derived SERPINE2 is a promising immune-oncology target with therapeutic implications to further synergize the immunotherapeutic combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China; Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical College, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Rui Sun
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical College, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Chenyu Di
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; Department of Clinical Medicine, The First Clinical College, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, China
| | - Faming Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Environmental Protection, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Pathology, Shengli Oilfield Central Hospital, Dongying, Shandong, 257000, China
| | - Wenjie Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250011, China; Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250011, China.
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Medrano-Bosch M, Simón-Codina B, Jiménez W, Edelman ER, Melgar-Lesmes P. Monocyte-endothelial cell interactions in vascular and tissue remodeling. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196033. [PMID: 37483594 PMCID: PMC10360188 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Monocytes are circulating leukocytes of innate immunity derived from the bone marrow that interact with endothelial cells under physiological or pathophysiological conditions to orchestrate inflammation, angiogenesis, or tissue remodeling. Monocytes are attracted by chemokines and specific receptors to precise areas in vessels or tissues and transdifferentiate into macrophages with tissue damage or infection. Adherent monocytes and infiltrated monocyte-derived macrophages locally release a myriad of cytokines, vasoactive agents, matrix metalloproteinases, and growth factors to induce vascular and tissue remodeling or for propagation of inflammatory responses. Infiltrated macrophages cooperate with tissue-resident macrophages during all the phases of tissue injury, repair, and regeneration. Substances released by infiltrated and resident macrophages serve not only to coordinate vessel and tissue growth but cellular interactions as well by attracting more circulating monocytes (e.g. MCP-1) and stimulating nearby endothelial cells (e.g. TNF-α) to expose monocyte adhesion molecules. Prolonged tissue accumulation and activation of infiltrated monocytes may result in alterations in extracellular matrix turnover, tissue functions, and vascular leakage. In this review, we highlight the link between interactions of infiltrating monocytes and endothelial cells to regulate vascular and tissue remodeling with a special focus on how these interactions contribute to pathophysiological conditions such as cardiovascular and chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Medrano-Bosch
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Simón-Codina
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Wladimiro Jiménez
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elazer R. Edelman
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Pedro Melgar-Lesmes
- Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics Service, Hospital Clínic Universitari, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Medical Engineering and Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
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Rana PS, Goparaju K, Driscoll JJ. Shutting off the fuel supply to target metabolic vulnerabilities in multiple myeloma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1141851. [PMID: 37361580 PMCID: PMC10285382 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1141851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathways that govern cellular bioenergetics are deregulated in tumor cells and represent a hallmark of cancer. Tumor cells have the capacity to reprogram pathways that control nutrient acquisition, anabolism and catabolism to enhance their growth and survival. Tumorigenesis requires the autonomous reprogramming of key metabolic pathways that obtain, generate and produce metabolites from a nutrient-deprived tumor microenvironment to meet the increased bioenergetic demands of cancer cells. Intra- and extracellular factors also have a profound effect on gene expression to drive metabolic pathway reprogramming in not only cancer cells but also surrounding cell types that contribute to anti-tumor immunity. Despite a vast amount of genetic and histologic heterogeneity within and between cancer types, a finite set of pathways are commonly deregulated to support anabolism, catabolism and redox balance. Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common hematologic malignancy in adults and remains incurable in the vast majority of patients. Genetic events and the hypoxic bone marrow milieu deregulate glycolysis, glutaminolysis and fatty acid synthesis in MM cells to promote their proliferation, survival, metastasis, drug resistance and evasion of immunosurveillance. Here, we discuss mechanisms that disrupt metabolic pathways in MM cells to support the development of therapeutic resistance and thwart the effects of anti-myeloma immunity. A better understanding of the events that reprogram metabolism in myeloma and immune cells may reveal unforeseen vulnerabilities and advance the rational design of drug cocktails that improve patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka S. Rana
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Immune Oncology Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Krishna Goparaju
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies & Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - James J. Driscoll
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Immune Oncology Program, Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
- Adult Hematologic Malignancies & Stem Cell Transplant Section, Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, United States
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9
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Zou Y, Xu Y, Chen X, Zheng L. Advances in the application of immune checkpoint inhibitors in gynecological tumors. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109774. [PMID: 37012881 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoints are regulatory molecules that suppress immune effector cells, and are essential for maintaining tolerance, preventing autoimmune reactions, and minimizing tissue damage by controlling the duration and intensity of the immune responses. However, immune checkpoints are frequently upregulated during cancer and dampen the anti-tumor immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been effective against multiple tumors, and have improved patients' survival outcomes. Recent clinical trials have also reported promising therapeutic effects of ICIs in some gynecological cancers. AIM To review the current research and future directions in the treatment of gynecological malignancies, including ovarian, cervical and endometrial cancers, using ICIs. CONCLUSION Currently, cervical and ovarian cancers are the only gynecological tumors that are treated by immunotherapeutic approaches. In addition, ICIs, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)- and T cell receptor (TCR)-engineered T cells targeting endometrial tumors, especially those originating in the vulva and fallopian tubes, are under development. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of ICIs, especially in combination with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, anti-angiogenesis drugs and poly ADP ribose polymerase inhibitors (PARPi), needs to be elucidated. Furthermore, novel predictive biomarkers have to be identified in order to increase the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs while reducing adverse reactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- YingGang Zou
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Ying Xu
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - XiaoChen Chen
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Lianwen Zheng
- Reproductive Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Thomas JA, Gireesh Moly AG, Xavier H, Suboj P, Ladha A, Gupta G, Singh SK, Palit P, Babykutty S. Enhancement of immune surveillance in breast cancer by targeting hypoxic tumor endothelium: Can it be an immunological switch point? Front Oncol 2023; 13:1063051. [PMID: 37056346 PMCID: PMC10088512 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1063051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer ranks second among the causes of cancer-related deaths in women. In spite of the recent advances achieved in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, further study is required to overcome the risk of cancer resistance to treatment and thereby improve the prognosis of individuals with advanced-stage breast cancer. The existence of a hypoxic microenvironment is a well-known event in the development of mutagenesis and rapid proliferation of cancer cells. Tumor cells, purposefully cause local hypoxia in order to induce angiogenesis and growth factors that promote tumor growth and metastatic characteristics, while healthy tissue surrounding the tumor suffers damage or mutate. It has been found that these settings with low oxygen levels cause immunosuppression and a lack of immune surveillance by reducing the activation and recruitment of tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TILs). The immune system is further suppressed by hypoxic tumor endothelium through a variety of ways, which creates an immunosuppressive milieu in the tumor microenvironment. Non responsiveness of tumor endothelium to inflammatory signals or endothelial anergy exclude effector T cells from the tumor milieu. Expression of endothelial specific antigens and immunoinhibitory molecules like Programmed death ligand 1,2 (PDL-1, 2) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) by tumor endothelium adds fuel to the fire by inhibiting T lymphocytes while promoting regulatory T cells. The hypoxic microenvironment in turn recruits Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs), Tumor Associated Macrophages (TAMs) and T regulatory cells (Treg). The structure and function of newly generated blood vessels within tumors, on the other hand, are aberrant, lacking the specific organization of normal tissue vasculature. Vascular normalisation may work for a variety of tumour types and show to be an advantageous complement to immunotherapy for improving tumour access. By enhancing immune response in the hypoxic tumor microenvironment, via immune-herbal therapeutic and immune-nutraceuticals based approaches that leverage immunological evasion of tumor, will be briefly reviewed in this article. Whether these tactics may be the game changer for emerging immunological switch point to attenuate the breast cancer growth and prevent metastatic cell division, is the key concern of the current study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juvin Ann Thomas
- Centre for Tumor Immunology and Microenvironment, Department of Zoology, Mar Ivanios College, Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Athira Gireesh Gireesh Moly
- Centre for Tumor Immunology and Microenvironment, Department of Zoology, Mar Ivanios College, Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Hima Xavier
- Centre for Tumor Immunology and Microenvironment, Department of Zoology, Mar Ivanios College, Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Priya Suboj
- Department of Botany and Biotechnology, St. Xaviers College, Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
| | - Amit Ladha
- School of Biosciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, West-Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- Department of Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Santosh Kumar Singh
- Centre of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
| | - Partha Palit
- Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Assam University, Silchar, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Assam, India
| | - Suboj Babykutty
- Centre for Tumor Immunology and Microenvironment, Department of Zoology, Mar Ivanios College, Nalanchira, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
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11
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Zhang H, Liu L, Liu J, Dang P, Hu S, Yuan W, Sun Z, Liu Y, Wang C. Roles of tumor-associated macrophages in anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy for solid cancers. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:58. [PMID: 36941614 PMCID: PMC10029244 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01725-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, tumor immunotherapy has made significant progress. However, tumor immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors), benefits only a tiny proportion of patients in solid cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) acts a significant role in tumor immunotherapy. Studies reported that tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), as one of the main components of TME, seriously affected the therapeutic effect of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. In this review, we analyzed TAMs from epigenetic and single-cell perspectives and introduced the role and mechanisms of TAMs in anti-programmed death protein 1(anti-PD-1) therapy. In addition, we summarized combination regimens that enhance the efficacy of tumor PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors and elaborated on the role of the TAMs in different solid cancers. Eventually, the clinical value of TAMs by influencing the therapeutic effect of tumor PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors was discussed. These above are beneficial to elucidate poor therapeutic effect of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in solid tumors from the point of view of TAMs and explore the strategies to improve its objective remission rate of solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jinbo Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Pengyuan Dang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shengyun Hu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Weitang Yuan
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Zhenqiang Sun
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Henan Cancer Hospital, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Chengzeng Wang
- Henan Institute of Interconnected Intelligent Health Management, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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12
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Hypoxia in Skin Cancer: Molecular Basis and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054430. [PMID: 36901857 PMCID: PMC10003002 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the Caucasian population. In the United States, it is estimated that at least one in five people will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, leading to significant morbidity and a healthcare burden. Skin cancer mainly arises from cells in the epidermal layer of the skin, where oxygen is scarce. There are three main types of skin cancer: malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Accumulating evidence has revealed a critical role for hypoxia in the development and progression of these dermatologic malignancies. In this review, we discuss the role of hypoxia in treating and reconstructing skin cancers. We will summarize the molecular basis of hypoxia signaling pathways in relation to the major genetic variations of skin cancer.
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13
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Jeong JH, Ojha U, Jang H, Kang S, Lee S, Lee YM. Dual anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic activity of myriocin synergistically enhances the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2023; 46:117-132. [PMID: 36329364 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00737-x] [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] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor microenvironment consists of various kind of cells, forming complex interactions and signal transductions for tumor growth. Due to this complexity, targeting multiple kinases could yield improved clinical outcomes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the potential of myriocin, from Mycelia sterilia, as a novel dual-kinase inhibitor and suggest myriocin as a candidate for combined chemotherapy. METHODS We initially evaluated the anti-tumor and anti-metastatic effect of myriocin in mouse allograft tumor models. We examined the effects of myriocin on angiogenesis and tumor vasculature using in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models, and also tested the anti-migration effect of myriocin in in vitro models. Next, we explored the effects of myriocin alone and in combination with cisplatin on tumor growth and vascular normalization in mouse models. RESULTS We found that myriocin inhibited tumor growth and lung metastasis in mouse allograft tumor models. Myriocin induced normalization of the tumor vasculature in the mouse models. We also found that myriocin suppressed angiogenesis through the VEGFR2/PI3K/AKT pathway in endothelial cells (ECs), as well as cancer cell migration by blocking the IκBα/NF-κB(p65)/MMP-9 pathway. Finally, we found that myriocin enhanced the drug delivery efficacy of cisplatin by increasing the integrity of tumor vasculature in the mouse models, which synergistically increased the anti-tumor activity of cisplatin. CONCLUSION We suggest that myriocin is a novel potent anti-cancer agent that dually targets both VEGFR2 in ECs and IκBα in cancer cells, and exerts more pronounced anti-tumor effects than with either kinase being inhibited alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hak Jeong
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- National Basic Research Lab. of Vascular Homeostasis Regulation, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Uttam Ojha
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- National Basic Research Lab. of Vascular Homeostasis Regulation, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeonha Jang
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- National Basic Research Lab. of Vascular Homeostasis Regulation, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Kang
- National Basic Research Lab. of Vascular Homeostasis Regulation, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sunhee Lee
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - You Mie Lee
- Vessel-Organ Interaction Research Center (VOICE, MRC), Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- National Basic Research Lab. of Vascular Homeostasis Regulation, College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungpook National University, 80 Daehakro, Bukgu, Daegu, 41566, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Wu Z, Xu B, He Q, Hu Z, Yu Z. Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Ethanolic Extract Inhibited the Growth of Nonsmall Cell Lung Cancer Cells by Suppressing Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α-Dependent Glycolysis and Angiogenesis. Nat Prod Commun 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/1934578x221142796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:The ethanolic extract of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg ( T hemsleyanum ethanolic extract [Te-EtOH]) showed positive effects against various tumors. However, there are few studies on the effects of Te-EtOH on nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We attempted to examine the inhibiting effect of Te-EtOH on NSCLC cells and to elucidate the relevant mechanisms. Methods: A549 and H1299 cells were pretreated with Te-EtOH at different concentrations. Cell viability was analyzed by Cell Counting Kit-8, flow cytometry, and the 3-dimensional spheroid model; RNA-sequencing was also performed. Moreover, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot tests were performed to determine the metabolic capability, the expressions of energy metabolism-related proteins, and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) pathway. Additionally, under hypoxic conditions, the ability of Te-EtOH to inhibit HIF-1α expression and the metabolic capability of NSCLC cells was tested. Results: Te-EtOH considerably repressed cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. RNA-sequencing revealed that Te-EtOH's inhibition of NSCLC cells activity was related to metabolism. In addition, Te-EtOH significantly inhibited glycolysis, and adenosine triphosphate and lactate accumulation in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, we found that Te-EtOH could block PI3K/AKT/HIF-1α pathway activation. Moreover, Te-EtOH significantly inhibited hypoxia-induced expression of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor, and metabolic capability. Conclusions: Our results suggested that Te-EtOH inhibited the growth of NSCLC cells by suppressing HIF-1α-dependent glycolysis and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Qin He
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Zhuyuan Hu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
| | - Zhiyi Yu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Jinhua Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Jinhua, China
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15
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Xia Y, Duan S, Han C, Jing C, Xiao Z, Li C. Hypoxia-responsive nanomaterials for tumor imaging and therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1089446. [PMID: 36591450 PMCID: PMC9798000 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1089446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is an important component of tumor microenvironment and plays a pivotal role in cancer progression. With the distinctive physiochemical properties and biological effects, various nanoparticles targeting hypoxia had raised great interest in cancer imaging, drug delivery, and gene therapy during the last decade. In the current review, we provided a comprehensive view on the latest progress of novel stimuli-responsive nanomaterials targeting hypoxia-tumor microenvironment (TME), and their applications in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Future prospect and challenges of nanomaterials are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Xia
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shao Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chaozhe Han
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chengwei Jing
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zunyu Xiao
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, The Fourth Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,*Correspondence: Chao Li, ; Zunyu Xiao,
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China,*Correspondence: Chao Li, ; Zunyu Xiao,
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16
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Li SQ, Yang Y, Ye LS. Angiogenesis and immune checkpoint dual blockade: Opportunities and challenges for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6034-6044. [PMID: 36405383 PMCID: PMC9669824 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i42.6034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The disease burden related to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing. Most HCC patients are diagnosed at the advanced stage and multikinase inhibitors have been the only treatment choice for them. Recently, the approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has provided a new therapeutic strategy for HCC. It is noteworthy that the positive outcomes of the phase III clinical trial IMBrave150 [atezolizumab (anti-programmed cell death ligand 1 antibody) combined with bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor monoclonal antibody)], showed that overall survival and progression-free survival were significantly better with sorafenib. This combination therapy has become the new standard therapy for advanced HCC and has also attracted more attention in the treatment of HCC with anti-angiogenesis-immune combination therapy. Currently, the synergistic antitumor efficacy of this combination has been shown in many preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss the mechanism and clinical application of anti-angiogenics and immunotherapy in HCC, outline the relevant mechanism and rationality of the combined application of anti-angiogenics and ICIs, and point out the existing challenges of the combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Qi Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Lin-Sen Ye
- Department of Hepatic Surgery and Liver Transplantation Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, Guangdong Province, China
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17
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Choi J, Choi E, Choi D. The ambivalent nature of the relationship between lymphatics and cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:931335. [PMID: 36158182 PMCID: PMC9489845 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.931335] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Do lymphatic vessels support cancer cells? Or are they vessels that help suppress cancer development? It is known that the lymphatic system is a vehicle for tumor metastasis and that the lymphangiogenic regulator VEGF-C supports the tumor. One such role of VEGF-C is the suppression of the immune response to cancer. The lymphatic system has also been correlated with an increase in interstitial fluid pressure of the tumor microenvironment. On the other hand, lymphatic vessels facilitate immune surveillance to mount an immune response against tumors with the support of VEGF-C. Furthermore, the activation of lymphatic fluid drainage may prove to filter and decrease tumor interstitial fluid pressure. In this review, we provide an overview of the dynamic between lymphatics, cancer, and tumor fluid pressure to suggest that lymphatic vessels may be used as an antitumor therapy due to their capabilities of immune surveillance and fluid pressure drainage. The application of this potential may help to prevent tumor proliferation or increase the efficacy of drugs that target cancer.
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18
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The BET Protein Inhibitor JQ1 Decreases Hypoxia and Improves the Therapeutic Benefit of Anti-PD-1 in a High-Risk Neuroblastoma Mouse Model. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182783. [PMID: 36139358 PMCID: PMC9497090 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-programmed death 1 (PD-1) is a revolutionary treatment for many cancers. The response to anti-PD-1 relies on several properties of tumor and immune cells, including the expression of PD-L1 and PD-1. Despite the impressive clinical benefit achieved with anti-PD-1 in several cancers in adults, the use of this therapy for high-risk neuroblastoma remains modest. Here, we evaluated the therapeutic benefit of anti-PD-1 in combination with JQ1 in a highly relevant TH-MYCN neuroblastoma transgenic mouse model. JQ1 is a small molecule inhibitor of the extra-terminal domain (BET) family of bromodomain proteins, competitively binding to bromodomains. Using several neuroblastoma cell lines in vitro, we showed that JQ1 inhibited hypoxia-dependent induction of HIF-1α and decreased the expression of the well-known HIF-1α downstream target gene CA9. Using MRI relaxometry performed on TH-MYCN tumor-bearing mice, we showed that JQ1 decreases R2* in tumors, a parameter associated with intra-tumor hypoxia in pre-clinical settings. Decreasing hypoxia by JQ1 was associated with improved blood vessel quality and integrity, as revealed by CD31 and αSMA staining on tumor sections. By analyzing the immune landscape of TH-MYCN tumors in mice, we found that JQ1 had no major impact on infiltrating immune cells into the tumor microenvironment but significantly increased the percentage of CD8+ PD-1+, conventional CD4+ PD-1+, and Treg PD-1+ cells. While anti-PD-1 monotherapy did not affect TH-MYCN tumor growth, we showed that combinatorial therapy associating JQ1 significantly decreased the tumor volume and improved the therapeutic benefit of anti-PD-1. This study provided the pre-clinical proof of concept needed to establish a new combination immunotherapy approach that may create tremendous enthusiasm for treating high-risk childhood neuroblastoma.
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BMP2 as a promising anticancer approach: functions and molecular mechanisms. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:1322-1332. [PMID: 36040572 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01298-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), a pluripotent factor, is a member of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily and is implicated in embryonic development and postnatal homeostasis in tissues and organs. Experimental research in the contexts of physiology and pathology has indicated that BMP2 can induce macrophages to differentiate into osteoclasts and accelerate the osteolytic mechanism, aggravating cancer cell bone metastasis. Emerging studies have stressed the potent regulatory effect of BMP2 in cancer cell differentiation, proliferation, survival, and apoptosis. Complicated signaling networks involving multiple regulatory proteins imply the significant biological functions of BMP2 in cancer. In this review, we comprehensively summarized and discussed the current evidence related to the modulation of BMP2 in tumorigenesis and development, including evidence related to the roles and molecular mechanisms of BMP2 in regulating cancer stem cells (CSCs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), cancer angiogenesis and the tumor microenvironment (TME). All these findings suggest that BMP2 may be an effective therapeutic target for cancer and a new marker for assessing treatment efficacy.
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20
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Lu D, Wang L, Wang L, An L, Huo M, Xu H, Shi J. Probiotic Engineering and Targeted Sonoimmuno-Therapy Augmented by STING Agonist. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2201711. [PMID: 35603970 PMCID: PMC9353485 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202201711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tumor targeting and effective immunomodulation are of critical significance during tumor treatment by sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Herein, the probiotic engineering of the clinically approved sonosensitizer (hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME)) is reported onto the probiotic bacterium Bifidobacteria Longum (BiL) for sonosensitive bifidobacterium construction (HMME@BiL cells). Based on the hypoxic tropism feature of the strain, effective tumor-targeted sonodynamic therapeutics can be achieved both in vitro and in vivo. To improve the immunological responses against tumor during sonodynamics, a recently-developed stimulator of interferon genes immune agonist SR717 has been employed to improve the anti-tumor immunity with prominent activities, eradicating both primary and metastatic tumors with high efficiency and satisfied biocompatibility. The present work provides a promising paradigm of microbiotic nanomedicine in a sophisticated sonoimmunotherapeutic strategy against malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Lu
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and TreatmentNational Clinical Research Center of Interventional MedicineUltrasound Research and Education InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalShanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Liying Wang
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and TreatmentNational Clinical Research Center of Interventional MedicineUltrasound Research and Education InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalShanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Liping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesResearch Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious DiseaseChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2021RU012)Shanghai200050P. R. China
| | - Liwei An
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and TreatmentNational Clinical Research Center of Interventional MedicineUltrasound Research and Education InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalShanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Minfeng Huo
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and TreatmentNational Clinical Research Center of Interventional MedicineUltrasound Research and Education InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalShanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesResearch Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious DiseaseChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2021RU012)Shanghai200050P. R. China
| | - Huixiong Xu
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and TreatmentNational Clinical Research Center of Interventional MedicineUltrasound Research and Education InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalShanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Jianlin Shi
- Department of Medical UltrasoundShanghai Engineering Research Center of Ultrasound Diagnosis and TreatmentNational Clinical Research Center of Interventional MedicineUltrasound Research and Education InstituteShanghai Tenth People's HospitalShanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic MedicineSchool of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine MicrostructureShanghai Institute of CeramicsChinese Academy of SciencesResearch Unit of Nanocatalytic Medicine in Specific Therapy for Serious DiseaseChinese Academy of Medical Sciences (2021RU012)Shanghai200050P. R. China
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Hariharan K, Patel P, Mehta T. Surface modifications of Gold Nanoparticles: Stabilization and Recent Applications in Cancer Therapy. Pharm Dev Technol 2022; 27:665-683. [PMID: 35850605 DOI: 10.1080/10837450.2022.2103825] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Gold nanoparticles (GNP) are noble metal nanocarriers that have been recently researched upon for pharmaceutical applications, imaging, and diagnosis. These metallic nanocarriers are easy to synthesize using chemical reduction techniques as their surface can be easily modified. Also, the properties of GNP are significantly affected by its size and shape which mandates its stabilization using suitable techniques of surface modification. Over the past decade, research has focused on surface modification of GNP and its stabilization using polymers, polysaccharides, proteins, dendrimers, and phase-stabilizers like gel phase or ionic liquid phase. The use of GNP for pharmaceutical applications requires its surface modification using biocompatible and inert surface modifiers. The stabilizers used, interact with the surface of GNP to provide either electrostatic stabilization or steric stabilization. This review extensively discusses the surface modification techniques for GNP and the related molecular level interactions involved in the same. The influence of various factors like the concentration of stabilizers used their characteristics like chain length and thickness, pH of the surrounding media, etc., on the surface of GNP and resulting to stability have been discussed in detail. Further, this review highlights the recent applications of surface-modified GNP in the management of tumor microenvironment and cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kartik Hariharan
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Gota, Ahmedabad-382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Parth Patel
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Gota, Ahmedabad-382481, Gujarat, India
| | - Tejal Mehta
- Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, SG Highway, Gota, Ahmedabad-382481, Gujarat, India
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22
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Strasenburg W, Jóźwicki J, Durślewicz J, Kuffel B, Kulczyk MP, Kowalewski A, Grzanka D, Drewa T, Adamowicz J. Tumor Cell-Induced Platelet Aggregation as an Emerging Therapeutic Target for Cancer Therapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:909767. [PMID: 35814405 PMCID: PMC9259835 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.909767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have the ability to induce platelet activation and aggregation. This has been documented to be involved in tumor progression in several types of cancers, such as lung, colon, breast, pancreatic, ovarian, and brain. During the process, platelets protect circulating tumor cells from the deleterious effects of shear forces, shield tumor cells from the immune system, and provide growth factors, facilitating metastatic spread and tumor growth at the original site as well as at the site of metastasis. Herein, we present a wider view on the induction of platelet aggregation by specific factors primarily developed by cancer, including coagulation factors, adhesion receptors, growth factors, cysteine proteases, matrix metalloproteinases, glycoproteins, soluble mediators, and selectins. These factors may be presented on the surface of tumor cells as well as in their microenvironment, and some may trigger more than just one simple receptor–ligand mechanism. For a better understanding, we briefly discuss the physiological role of the factors in the platelet activation process, and subsequently, we provide scientific evidence and discuss their potential role in the progression of specific cancers. Targeting tumor cell-induced platelet aggregation (TCIPA) by antiplatelet drugs may open ways to develop new treatment modalities. On the one hand, it may affect patients’ prognosis by enhancing known therapies in advanced-stage tumors. On the other hand, the use of drugs that are mostly easily accessible and widely used in general practice may be an opportunity to propose an unparalleled antitumor prophylaxis. In this review, we present the recent discoveries of mechanisms by which cancer cells activate platelets, and discuss new platelet-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Strasenburg
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
- *Correspondence: Wiktoria Strasenburg,
| | - Jakub Jóźwicki
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Justyna Durślewicz
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Błażej Kuffel
- Department of General and Oncological Urology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Martyna Parol Kulczyk
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Adam Kowalewski
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Faculty of Medicine, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Tomasz Drewa
- Department of General and Oncological Urology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
| | - Jan Adamowicz
- Department of General and Oncological Urology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Toruń, Poland
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Kawachi H, Tamiya M, Matsumoto K, Tamiya A, Yanase T, Tanizaki S, Kumagai T. Efficacy and safety of ramucirumab and docetaxel in previously treated patients with squamous cell lung cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort study. Invest New Drugs 2022; 40:634-642. [PMID: 35024985 DOI: 10.1007/s10637-022-01214-w] [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: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Ramucirumab plus docetaxel (RAM/DOC) therapy is currently the standard for previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), irrespective of histology. However, in the clinical trial, only the first-line platinum-based chemotherapy refractory patients were enrolled and the eligible criteria was strict to avoid hemoptysis, especially in squamous cell NSCLC (Sq). Thus, the efficacy and safety data on ramucirumab for Sq in real-world settings after immune checkpoint inhibitors monotherapy or combination therapy approved as novel first-line therapy is lacking. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC who underwent RAM/DOC therapy at four institutions. Clinical data on the initiation of RAM/DOC were collected from medical records. Treatment outcomes were assessed according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage was assessed according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5.0. RESULTS Overall, 237 patients with NSCLC were included and 38 (16%) had squamous cell carcinoma. There were no significant differences in median progression-free survival and overall survival between Sq and non-Sq patients (5.8 months vs. 4.3 months, P = 0.0937; 15.2 months vs. 13.4 months, P = 0.714, respectively). Of all patients, 13 (5%) developed pulmonary hemorrhage. According to histological analysis, there was no significant difference in pulmonary hemorrhage proportion between Sq and non-Sq cohorts (2/38 vs. 11/199, respectively, P = 0.947). CONCLUSIONS For previously treated patients with Sq, the efficacy and safety of RAM/DOC therapy were confirmed in a real-world setting and were similar to non-Sq.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayato Kawachi
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan.
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Motohiro Tamiya
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kinnosuke Matsumoto
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tamiya
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kinki-Chuo Chest Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takafumi Yanase
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka Habikino Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Tanizaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toru Kumagai
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
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24
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Kawachi H, Tamiya M, Taniguchi Y, Yokoyama T, Yokoe S, Oya Y, Imaji M, Okabe F, Kanazu M, Sakata Y, Uematsu S, Tanaka S, Arai D, Saito G, Kobe H, Miyauchi E, Okada A, Hara S, Kumagai T. Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor With or Without Chemotherapy for Non–Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Malignant Pleural Effusion: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study. JTO Clin Res Rep 2022; 3:100355. [PMID: 35769388 PMCID: PMC9234704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtocrr.2022.100355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is associated with poor treatment outcome in patients with NSCLC receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs and chemotherapy (ICI/Chemo) combination therapy is currently the standard therapy for NSCLC, and some ICI/Chemo regimens for nonsquamous (non-Sq) NSCLC contain bevacizumab (BEV), which is effective for controlling MPE and may enhance immune response. This study aimed to determine the optimal first-line treatment for this clinical population. Methods We retrospectively enrolled consecutive patients with non-Sq NSCLC with MPE who received ICI/Chemo or pembrolizumab monotherapy. Treatment outcomes were analyzed in patients with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) tumor proportion score more than or equal to 50% who were administered ICI/Chemo or pembrolizumab monotherapy (PD-L1 high cohort) and in patients with any PD-L1 status, treated with ICI/Chemo with or without BEV (ICI/Chemo cohort). We used propensity score matching (PSM) to reduce bias. Results PD-L1 high and ICI/Chemo cohorts included 143 and 139 patients, respectively. In PD-L1 high cohort, 37 patients received ICI/Chemo. With PSM, the median progression-free survival was significantly longer in the ICI/Chemo group than in the pembrolizumab group (11.1 versus 3.9 mo, respectively, p = 0.0409). In the ICI/Chemo cohort, 23 patients received BEV. With PSM, no significant difference occurred in median progression-free survival between BEV and non-BEV groups (6.1 versus 7.4 mo, p = 0.9610). Conclusion ICI/Chemo seemed more effective than pembrolizumab monotherapy for patients with non-Sq NSCLC with MPE. Nevertheless, the synergistic effect of BEV with ICI/Chemo may be limited. Further studies are needed to clarify the key factor in the tumor-induced immunosuppression environment in these patients.
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25
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Mudassar F, Shen H, Cook KM, Hau E. Improving the synergistic combination of programmed death‐1/programmed death ligand‐1 blockade and radiotherapy by targeting the hypoxic tumour microenvironment. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2022; 66:560-574. [PMID: 35466515 PMCID: PMC9322583 DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.13416] [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: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibition with PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade is a promising area in the field of anti‐cancer therapy. Although clinical data have revealed success of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade as monotherapy or in combination with CTLA‐4 or chemotherapy, the combination with radiotherapy could further boost anti‐tumour immunity and enhance clinical outcomes due to the immunostimulatory effects of radiation. However, the synergistic combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade and radiotherapy can be challenged by the complex nature of the tumour microenvironment (TME), including the presence of tumour hypoxia. Hypoxia is a major barrier to the effectiveness of both radiotherapy and PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade immunotherapy. Thus, targeting the hypoxic TME is an attractive strategy to enhance the efficacy of the combination. Addition of compounds that directly or indirectly reduce hypoxia, to the combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 inhibitors and radiotherapy may optimize the success of the combination and improve therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we will discuss the synergistic combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade and radiotherapy and highlight the role of hypoxic TME in impeding the success of both therapies. In addition, we will address the potential approaches for targeting tumour hypoxia and how exploiting these strategies could benefit the combination of PD‐1/PD‐L1 blockade and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faiqa Mudassar
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research The Westmead Institute for Medical Research Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Han Shen
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research The Westmead Institute for Medical Research Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Kristina M Cook
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - Eric Hau
- Translational Radiation Biology and Oncology Laboratory, Centre for Cancer Research The Westmead Institute for Medical Research Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Sydney Medical School The University of Sydney Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre Westmead Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
- Blacktown Hematology and Cancer Centre Blacktown Hospital Sydney New South Wales Australia
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26
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Murtaza M, Baig MMA, Ahmed J, Serbanoiu LI, Busnatu SS. Higher Mortality Associated With New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:867002. [PMID: 35498001 PMCID: PMC9047948 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.867002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AimThis research was conducted to evaluate the mortality outcome of cancer patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation. We also aimed to assess if there was any confounding relation between the mortality of these patients and surgical intervention.Materials and MethodsA systemic search was conducted from electronic databases (PubMed/Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar) from inception to 7 February 2022. All statistical analyses were conducted in Review Manager 5.4.1. Studies meeting inclusion criteria were selected. Only those studies that involved cancer patients without pre-existing atrial fibrillation were selected, and mortality rate was compared between the patients who developed atrial fibrillation and those who did not. A random-effect model was used when heterogeneity was seen to pool the studies, and the result was reported in the odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsEighteen studies were selected for meta-analysis. Statistical analysis showed that the cancer patients who subsequently developed atrial fibrillation had a significantly higher mortality rate as compared to those who did not (OR = 1.90 [1.65, 2.19]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 100%). We also separately analyzed the mortality risk in the surgery group and the non-surgery group. Statistical analysis showed that there was significantly higher mortality rate associated with new-onset atrial fibrillation in cancer patients in the surgery group (OR= 3.68 [2.29, 5.94]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 61%) as well as in the non-surgery group (OR = 1.64 [1.39, 1.93]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 100%).ConclusionCancer patients, who subsequently developed atrial fibrillation, had a higher mortality rate as compared to those cancer patients who did not develop atrial fibrillation. A higher mortality rate was seen in both surgical and non-surgical subgroups. This implies that extra care and specific measures must be taken in the management of cancer patients with new-onset atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minha Murtaza
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Mirza Mehmood Ali Baig
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
- *Correspondence: Mirza Mehmood Ali Baig
| | - Jawad Ahmed
- Internal Medicine, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Liviu Ionut Serbanoiu
- Department of Cardiology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
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27
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Solimando AG, Kalogirou C, Krebs M. Angiogenesis as Therapeutic Target in Metastatic Prostate Cancer - Narrowing the Gap Between Bench and Bedside. Front Immunol 2022; 13:842038. [PMID: 35222436 PMCID: PMC8866833 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.842038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Angiogenesis in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) has been extensively investigated as a promising druggable biological process. Nonetheless, targeting angiogenesis has failed to impact overall survival (OS) in patients with mCRPC despite promising preclinical and early clinical data. This discrepancy prompted a literature review highlighting the tumor heterogeneity and biological context of Prostate Cancer (PCa). Narrowing the gap between the bench and bedside appears critical for developing novel therapeutic strategies. Searching clinicaltrials.gov for studies examining angiogenesis inhibition in patients with PCa resulted in n=20 trials with specific angiogenesis inhibitors currently recruiting (as of September 2021). Moreover, several other compounds with known anti-angiogenic properties - such as Metformin or Curcumin - are currently investigated. In general, angiogenesis-targeting strategies in PCa include biomarker-guided treatment stratification - as well as combinatorial approaches. Beyond established angiogenesis inhibitors, PCa therapies aiming at PSMA (Prostate Specific Membrane Antigen) hold the promise to have a substantial anti-angiogenic effect - due to PSMA´s abundant expression in tumor vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, Section of Internal Medicine "G. Baccelli", University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy.,Medical Oncology Unit, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", Bari, Italy
| | - Charis Kalogirou
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Krebs
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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28
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New Developments in T Cell Immunometabolism and Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040708. [PMID: 35203357 PMCID: PMC8870179 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite rapid advances in the field of immunotherapy, the elimination of established tumors has not been achieved. Many promising new treatments such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) fall short, primarily due to the loss of T cell effector function or the failure of long-term T cell persistence. With the availability of new tools and advancements in technology, our understanding of metabolic processes has increased enormously in the last decade. Redundancy in metabolic pathways and overlapping targets that could address the plasticity and heterogenous phenotypes of various T cell subsets have illuminated the need for understanding immunometabolism in the context of multiple disease states, including cancer immunology. Herein, we discuss the developing field of T cell immunometabolism and its crucial relevance to improving immunotherapeutic approaches. This in-depth review details the metabolic pathways and preferences of the antitumor immune system and the state of various metabolism-targeting therapeutic approaches.
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29
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Maestri M, Pallozzi M, Santopaolo F, Cerrito L, Pompili M, Gasbarrini A, Ponziani FR. Durvalumab: an investigational agent for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2022; 31:347-360. [DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2033208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Maestri
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Maria Pallozzi
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Francesco Santopaolo
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Lucia Cerrito
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
| | - Antonio Gasbarrini
- Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS
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30
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Fan C, Wu J, Shen Y, Hu H, Wang Q, Mao Y, Ye B, Xiang M. Hypoxia promotes the tolerogenic phenotype of plasmacytoid dendritic cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Cancer Med 2021; 11:922-930. [PMID: 34964283 PMCID: PMC8855917 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective We aim to review the roles of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and explore the effects of hypoxia on the tolerogenic transformation of pDCs. Background pDCs, best known as professional type I interferon‐secreting cells, play key roles in immune surveillance and antitumor immunity. Recently, pDCs have been shown to be tolerogenic and correlate with poor prognosis in a variety of cancers, including HNSCC. However, it remains unclear what drives the tolerogenic transformation of pDCs in the HNSCC microenvironment. Hypoxia, a prominent hallmark of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HNSCC, can interfere with multiple immune cells and establish an immunosuppressive TME. Methods In this review, we summarize the antitumor and protumor functions of pDCs, explore the effects of hypoxia on the migration and maturation of pDCs, and discuss related mechanisms in HNSCC. Conclusions pDCs mainly display protumor functions in HNSCC. The hypoxic TME in HNSCC can enhance the migration of pDCs and inhibit the differentiation and maturation of pDCs, promoting the tolerogenic phenotype of pDCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jichang Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Shen
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haixia Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufeng Mao
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Ye
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingliang Xiang
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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31
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Golhani V, Ray SK, Mukherjee S. Role of MicroRNAs and Long Non-Coding RNAs in Regulating Angiogenesis in Human Breast Cancer- A Molecular Medicine Perspective. Curr Mol Med 2021; 22:882-893. [PMID: 34923940 DOI: 10.2174/1566524022666211217114527] [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: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are proficient in regulating gene expression post-transcriptionally. Considering the recent trend in exploiting non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) as cancer therapeutics, the potential use of miRNAs and lncRNAs as biomarkers and novel therapeutic agents against angiogenesis is an important scientific aspect. An estimated 70% of the genome is actively transcribed, only 2% of which codes for known protein-coding genes. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large and diverse class of RNAs > 200 nucleotides in length, and not translated into protein, and are of utmost importance and it governs the expression of genes in a temporal, spatial, and cell context-dependent manner. Angiogenesis is an essential process for organ morphogenesis and growth during development, and it is relevant during the repair of wounded tissue in adults. It is coordinated by an equilibrium of pro-and anti-angiogenic factors; nevertheless, when affected, it promotes several diseases, including breast cancer. Signaling pathways involved here are tightly controlled systems that regulate the appropriate timing of gene expression required for the differentiation of cells down a particular lineage essential for proper tissue development. Lately, scientific reports are indicating that ncRNAs, such as miRNAs, and lncRNAs, play critical roles in angiogenesis related to breast cancer. The specific roles of various miRNAs and lncRNAs in regulating angiogenesis in breast cancer, with particular focus on the downstream targets and signaling pathways regulated by these ncRNAs with molecular medicine perspective, are highlighted in this write-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Golhani
- Department of Biochemistry. All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020, India
| | | | - Sukhes Mukherjee
- Department of Biochemistry. All India Institute of Medical Sciences. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh-462020, India
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Di Federico A, Rizzo A, Carloni R, De Giglio A, Bruno R, Ricci D, Brandi G. Atezolizumab-bevacizumab plus Y-90 TARE for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: preclinical rationale and ongoing clinical trials. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2021; 31:361-369. [PMID: 34798793 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2022.2009455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The treatment algorithm of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has evolved since the introduction of immunotherapy. The IMbrave150 trial set atezolizumab-bevacizumab as a new standard-of-care first-line treatment for unresectable HCC patients. However, for patients with intermediate or advanced stage with portal vein thrombosis but without distant metastases, 90Yttrium transarterial radioembolization (90Y-TARE) is considered the treatment of choice. AREAS COVERED We discuss the main evidence regarding the use of 90Y-TARE in HCC, the recent progress of immunotherapy in this tumor, and the preclinical rationale of combining VEGF blockade with the other two treatment strategies. EXPERT OPINION HCC has an extremely heterogeneous tumor immune microenvironment. This may explain the inconsistent outcomes obtained with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. The identification of patients who could benefit most from immunotherapy is crucial; however, reliable markers of response are lacking. Radiation therapy and VEGF inhibition have an established synergism with immunotherapy, mainly linked to enhanced antigen presentation and reduced immunosuppressive immune infiltrate. Combining an immune-checkpoint inhibitor with VEGF blockade and 90Y-TARE might hence overcome primary resistances observed when each of these treatments is administerd alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Di Federico
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rizzo
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Carloni
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea De Giglio
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Riccardo Bruno
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Radiology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Dalia Ricci
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Brandi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Irccs Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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33
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Kudo M. Changing the Treatment Paradigm for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Atezolizumab plus Bevacizumab Combination Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5475. [PMID: 34771637 PMCID: PMC8582435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy was approved worldwide for use in 2020. A 30% objective response rate with 8% complete response (CR) was achieved in a phase 3 IMbrave150 trial. Here, the change in the treatment strategy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination therapy is reviewed. The phase 3 IMbrave150 clinical trial was successful because of the direct antitumor effect of bevacizumab, which shifted the suppressive immune microenvironment to a responsive immune microenvironment, in addition to its synergistic effects when combined with atezolizumab. The analysis of CR cases was effective in patients with poor conditions, particularly tumor invasion in the main portal trunk (Vp4), making the combination therapy a breakthrough for HCC treatment. The response rate of the combination therapy was 44% against intermediate-stage HCC. Such a strong tumor-reduction effect paves the way for curative conversion (ABC conversion) therapy and, therefore, treatment strategies for intermediate-stage HCC may undergo a significant shift in the future. As these treatment strategies are effective in maintaining liver function, even in elderly patients, the transition frequency to second-line treatments could also be improved. These strategies may be effective against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma and WNT/β-catenin mutations to a certain degree.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Kindai University, Osaka 589-8511, Japan
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34
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Market M, Tennakoon G, Auer RC. Postoperative Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction: The Prime Suspect in the Case of Metastasis Following Curative Cancer Surgery. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111378. [PMID: 34768810 PMCID: PMC8583911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical resection is the foundation for the curative treatment of solid tumors. However, metastatic recurrence due to the difficulty in eradicating micrometastases remain a feared outcome. Paradoxically, despite the beneficial effects of surgical removal of the primary tumor, the physiological stress resulting from surgical trauma serves to promote cancer recurrence and metastasis. The postoperative environment suppresses critical anti-tumor immune effector cells, including Natural Killer (NK) cells. The literature suggests that NK cells are critical mediators in the formation of metastases immediately following surgery. The following review will highlight the mechanisms that promote the formation of micrometastases by directly or indirectly inducing NK cell suppression following surgery. These include tissue hypoxia, neuroendocrine activation, hypercoagulation, the pro-inflammatory phase, and the anti-inflammatory phase. Perioperative therapeutic strategies designed to prevent or reverse NK cell dysfunction will also be examined for their potential to improve cancer outcomes by preventing surgery-induced metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa Market
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 8M5, Canada; (M.M.); (G.T.)
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1G 4E3, Canada
| | - Gayashan Tennakoon
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1G 8M5, Canada; (M.M.); (G.T.)
| | - Rebecca C. Auer
- The Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON K1G 4E3, Canada
- Department of General Surgery, The Ottawa Hospital, Ottawa, ON K1Y 4E9, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-613-722-7000
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35
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Gamma irradiation exposure for collapsed cell junctions and reduced angiogenesis of 3-D in vitro blood vessels. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18230. [PMID: 34521931 PMCID: PMC8440565 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97692-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During radiotherapy, microenvironments neighboring the tumor are also exposed to gamma irradiation; this results in unexpected side effects. Blood vessels can serve as microenvironments for tumors and they play an important role in providing nutrients to tumors. This is mostly related to tumor progression, metastasis, and relapse after therapy. Many studies have been performed to obtain a better understanding of tumor vasculature after radiotherapy with in vitro models. However, compared to 3-D models, 2-D in vitro endothelial monolayers cannot physiologically reflect in vivo blood vessels. We previously remodeled the extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel that enhanced the tight barrier formation of 3-D blood vessels and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gradient induced angiogenesis in a microfluidic device. In this study, the blood vessel model is further introduced to understand how gamma irradiation affects the endothelial monolayer. After the gamma irradiation exposure, we observed a collapsed endothelial barrier and a reduced angiogenic potential. Changes in the cell behaviors of the tip and stalk cells were also detected in the angiogenesis model after irradiation, which is difficult to observe in 2-D monolayer models. Therefore, the 3-D in vitro blood vessel model can be used to understand radiation-induced endothelial injuries.
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36
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Unraveling How Tumor-Derived Galectins Contribute to Anti-Cancer Immunity Failure. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184529. [PMID: 34572756 PMCID: PMC8469970 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review compiles our current knowledge of one of the main pathways activated by tumors to escape immune attack. Indeed, it integrates the current understanding of how tumor-derived circulating galectins affect the elicitation of effective anti-tumor immunity. It focuses on several relevant topics: which are the main galectins produced by tumors, how soluble galectins circulate throughout biological liquids (taking a body-settled gradient concentration into account), the conditions required for the galectins’ functions to be accomplished at the tumor and tumor-distant sites, and how the physicochemical properties of the microenvironment in each tissue determine their functions. These are no mere semantic definitions as they define which functions can be performed in said tissues instead. Finally, we discuss the promising future of galectins as targets in cancer immunotherapy and some outstanding questions in the field. Abstract Current data indicates that anti-tumor T cell-mediated immunity correlates with a better prognosis in cancer patients. However, it has widely been demonstrated that tumor cells negatively manage immune attack by activating several immune-suppressive mechanisms. It is, therefore, essential to fully understand how lymphocytes are activated in a tumor microenvironment and, above all, how to prevent these cells from becoming dysfunctional. Tumors produce galectins-1, -3, -7, -8, and -9 as one of the major molecular mechanisms to evade immune control of tumor development. These galectins impact different steps in the establishment of the anti-tumor immune responses. Here, we carry out a critical dissection on the mechanisms through which tumor-derived galectins can influence the production and the functionality of anti-tumor T lymphocytes. This knowledge may help us design more effective immunotherapies to treat human cancers.
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37
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Colombani T, Eggermont LJ, Hatfield SM, Rogers ZJ, Rezaeeyazdi M, Memic A, Sitkovsky MV, Bencherif SA. Oxygen-Generating Cryogels Restore T Cell Mediated Cytotoxicity in Hypoxic Tumors. ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS 2021; 31:2102234. [PMID: 37745940 PMCID: PMC10516343 DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202102234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Solid tumors are protected from antitumor immune responses due to their hypoxic microenvironments. Weakening hypoxia-driven immunosuppression by hyperoxic breathing of 60% oxygen has shown to be effective in unleashing antitumor immune cells against solid tumors. However, efficacy of systemic oxygenation is limited against solid tumors outside of lungs and has been associated with unwanted side effects. As a result, it is essential to develop targeted oxygenation alternatives to weaken tumor hypoxia as novel approaches to restore immune responses against cancer. Herein, we report on injectable oxygen-generating cryogels (O2-cryogels) to reverse tumor-induced hypoxia. These macroporous biomaterials were designed to locally deliver oxygen, inhibit the expression of hypoxia-inducible genes in hypoxic melanoma cells, and reduce the accumulation of immunosuppressive extracellular adenosine. Our data show that O2-cryogels enhance T cell-mediated secretion of cytotoxic proteins, restoring the killing ability of tumor-specific CTLs, both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, O2-cryogels provide a unique and safe platform to supply oxygen as a co-adjuvant in hypoxic tumors and have the potential to improve cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Colombani
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Loek J. Eggermont
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Stephen M. Hatfield
- New England Inflammation and Tissue Protection Institute, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zachary J. Rogers
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | | | - Adnan Memic
- Center of Nanotechnology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Makkah 21589, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michail V. Sitkovsky
- New England Inflammation and Tissue Protection Institute, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sidi A. Bencherif
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Biomechanics and Bioengineering (BMBI), UTC CNRS UMR 7338, University of Technology of Compiègne, Sorbonne University, 60203 Compiègne, France
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38
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Ribatti D, Solimando AG, Pezzella F. The Anti-VEGF(R) Drug Discovery Legacy: Improving Attrition Rates by Breaking the Vicious Cycle of Angiogenesis in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143433. [PMID: 34298648 PMCID: PMC8304542 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Resistance to anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) molecules causes lack of response and disease recurrence. Acquired resistance develops as a result of genetic/epigenetic changes conferring to the cancer cells a drug resistant phenotype. In addition to tumor cells, tumor endothelial cells also undergo epigenetic modifications involved in resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies. The association of multiple anti-angiogenic molecules or a combination of anti-angiogenic drugs with other treatment regimens have been indicated as alternative therapeutic strategies to overcome resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies. Alternative mechanisms of tumor vasculature, including intussusceptive microvascular growth (IMG), vasculogenic mimicry, and vascular co-option, are involved in resistance to anti-angiogenic therapies. The crosstalk between angiogenesis and immune cells explains the efficacy of combining anti-angiogenic drugs with immune check-point inhibitors. Collectively, in order to increase clinical benefits and overcome resistance to anti-angiogenesis therapies, pan-omics profiling is key.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Medical School, 70124 Bari, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-080-547832
| | - Antonio Giovanni Solimando
- Guido Baccelli Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, School of Medicine, Aldo Moro University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy;
- IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II” of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Pezzella
- Nuffield Division of Laboratory Science, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX39DU, UK;
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39
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Woller N, Engelskircher SA, Wirth T, Wedemeyer H. Prospects and Challenges for T Cell-Based Therapies of HCC. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071651. [PMID: 34209393 PMCID: PMC8304292 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The scope of therapeutic options for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has recently been expanded by immunotherapeutic regimens. T cell-based therapies, especially in combination with other treatments have achieved far better outcomes compared to conventional treatments alone. However, there is an emerging body of evidence that eliciting T cell responses in immunotherapeutic approaches is insufficient for favorable outcomes. Immune responses in HCC are frequently attenuated in the tumor microenvironment (TME) or may even support tumor progress. Hence, therapies with immune checkpoint inhibitors or adoptive cell therapies appear to necessitate additional modification of the TME to unlock their full potential. In this review, we focus on immunotherapeutic strategies, underlying molecular mechanisms of CD8 T cell immunity, and causes of treatment failure in HCC of viral and non-viral origin. Furthermore, we provide an overview of TME features in underlying etiologies of HCC patients that mediate therapy resistance to checkpoint inhibition and discuss strategies from the literature concerning current approaches to these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norman Woller
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Sophie Anna Engelskircher
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Wirth
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Heiner Wedemeyer
- Clinic for Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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40
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Armani G, Pozzi E, Pagani A, Porta C, Rizzo M, Cicognini D, Rovati B, Moccia F, Pedrazzoli P, Ferraris E. The heterogeneity of cancer endothelium: The relevance of angiogenesis and endothelial progenitor cells in cancer microenvironment. Microvasc Res 2021; 138:104189. [PMID: 34062191 DOI: 10.1016/j.mvr.2021.104189] [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] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated vessels constitution is the result of angiogenesis, the hallmark of cancer essential for tumor to develop in dimension and to spread throughout the organism. Tumor endothelium is configured as an active functioning organ capable of determine interaction with the immune response and all the other components of the variegate cancer microenvironment, determining reciprocal influence. Angiogenesis is here analyzed in its molecular and cellular mechanisms, multiple mediators and principal players, represented by Endothelial Cells. It is discussed the striking heterogeneity of cancer endothelium, due to morphological and molecular aberrations that it often presents and its multiple origin. Among the cells that participate to the composition of tumor vasculature, Endothelial Progenitor Cells represent an important source for physical sustain and paracrine signaling in the process of angiogenesis. Treatment options are reviewed, with particular focus on novel therapeutic strategies for overcoming tumor resistance to anti-angiogenic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Armani
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, University of Pavia, Italy..
| | - Emma Pozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Pagani
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Camillo Porta
- Division of Translational Oncology, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mimma Rizzo
- Division of Translational Oncology, IRCCS Istituti Clinici Scientifici Maugeri, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Cicognini
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Bianca Rovati
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesco Moccia
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Paolo Pedrazzoli
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferraris
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Gui CP, Wei JH, Chen YH, Fu LM, Tang YM, Cao JZ, Chen W, Luo JH. A new thinking: extended application of genomic selection to screen multiomics data for development of novel hypoxia-immune biomarkers and target therapy of clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Brief Bioinform 2021; 22:6273240. [PMID: 34237133 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidences show the clinical significance of the interaction between hypoxia and immune in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) microenvironment. However, reliable prognostic signatures based on a combination of hypoxia and immune have not been well established. Moreover, many studies have only used RNA-seq profiles to screen the prognosis feature of ccRCC. Presently, there is no comprehensive analysis of multiomics data to mine a better one. Thus, we try and get it. First, t-SNE and ssGSEA analysis were used to establish tumor subtypes related to hypoxia-immune, and we investigated the hypoxia-immune-related differences in three types of genetic or epigenetic characteristics (gene expression profiles, somatic mutation, and DNA methylation) by analyzing the multiomics data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) portal. Additionally, a four-step strategy based on lasso regression and Cox regression was used to construct a satisfying prognostic model, with average 1-year, 3-year and 5-year areas under the curve (AUCs) equal to 0.806, 0.776 and 0.837. Comparing it with other nine known prognostic biomarkers and clinical prognostic scoring algorithms, the multiomics-based signature performs better. Then, we verified the gene expression differences in two external databases (ICGC and SYSU cohorts). Next, eight hub genes were singled out and seven hub genes were validated as prognostic genes in SYSU cohort. Furthermore, it was indicated high-risk patients have a better response for immunotherapy in immunophenoscore (IPS) analysis and TIDE algorithm. Meanwhile, estimated by GDSC and cMAP database, the high-risk patients showed sensitive responses to six chemotherapy drugs and six candidate small-molecule drugs. In summary, the signature can accurately predict the prognosis of ccRCC and may shed light on the development of novel hypoxia-immune biomarkers and target therapy of ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Peng Gui
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin-Huan Wei
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu-Hang Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Liang-Min Fu
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi-Ming Tang
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jia-Zheng Cao
- Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, Guangdong, China
| | - Wei Chen
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jun-Hang Luo
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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42
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Bannoud N, Dalotto-Moreno T, Kindgard L, García PA, Blidner AG, Mariño KV, Rabinovich GA, Croci DO. Hypoxia Supports Differentiation of Terminally Exhausted CD8 T Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:660944. [PMID: 34025660 PMCID: PMC8137905 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.660944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression have been proposed to be interrelated events that fuel tumor progression and impair the clinical effectiveness of anti-tumor therapies. Here we present new mechanistic data highlighting the role of hypoxia in fine-tuning CD8 T cell exhaustion in vitro, in an attempt to reconcile seemingly opposite evidence regarding the impact of hypoxia on functional features of exhausted CD8 T cells. Focusing on the recently characterized terminally-differentiated and progenitor exhausted CD8 T cells, we found that both hypoxia and its regulated mediator, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A, promote the differentiation of PD-1+ TIM-3+ CXCR5+ terminally exhausted-like CD8 T cells at the expense of PD-1+ TIM-3- progenitor-like subsets without affecting tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and interferon (IFN)-γ production or granzyme B (GZMB) expression by these subpopulations. Interestingly, hypoxia accentuated the proangiogenic secretory profile in exhausted CD8 T cells. VEGF-A was the main factor differentially secreted by exhausted CD8 T cells under hypoxic conditions. In this sense, we found that VEGF-A contributes to generation of terminally exhausted CD8 T cells during in vitro differentiation. Altogether, our findings highlight the reciprocal regulation between hypoxia, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression, providing a rational basis to optimize synergistic combinations of antiangiogenic and immunotherapeutic strategies, with the overarching goal of improving the efficacy of these treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bannoud
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Tomás Dalotto-Moreno
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucía Kindgard
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Pablo A. García
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
| | - Ada G. Blidner
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Karina V. Mariño
- Laboratorio de Glicómica Funcional y Molecular, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriel A. Rabinovich
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Diego O. Croci
- Laboratorio de Inmunopatología, Instituto de Histología y Embriología de Mendoza (IHEM), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Mendoza, Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Mendoza, Argentina
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43
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Fu Z, Mowday AM, Smaill JB, Hermans IF, Patterson AV. Tumour Hypoxia-Mediated Immunosuppression: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Approaches to Improve Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:1006. [PMID: 33923305 PMCID: PMC8146304 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The magnitude of the host immune response can be regulated by either stimulatory or inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules. Receptor-ligand binding between inhibitory molecules is often exploited by tumours to suppress anti-tumour immune responses. Immune checkpoint inhibitors that block these inhibitory interactions can relieve T-cells from negative regulation, and have yielded remarkable activity in the clinic. Despite this success, clinical data reveal that durable responses are limited to a minority of patients and malignancies, indicating the presence of underlying resistance mechanisms. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumour hypoxia, a pervasive feature of many solid cancers, is a critical phenomenon involved in suppressing the anti-tumour immune response generated by checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms associated with hypoxia-mediate immunosuppression and focus on modulating tumour hypoxia as an approach to improve immunotherapy responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Fu
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6042, New Zealand; (Z.F.); (I.F.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
| | - Alexandra M. Mowday
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Jeff B. Smaill
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
| | - Ian F. Hermans
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington 6042, New Zealand; (Z.F.); (I.F.H.)
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
| | - Adam V. Patterson
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand; (A.M.M.); (J.B.S.)
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, School of Medical Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1142, New Zealand
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44
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Bourhis M, Palle J, Galy-Fauroux I, Terme M. Direct and Indirect Modulation of T Cells by VEGF-A Counteracted by Anti-Angiogenic Treatment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:616837. [PMID: 33854498 PMCID: PMC8039365 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.616837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor A is known to play a central role in tumor angiogenesis. Several studies showed that VEGF-A is also an immunosuppressive factor. In tumor-bearing hosts, VEGF-A can modulate immune cells (DC, MDSC, TAM) to induce the accumulation of regulatory T-cells while simultaneously inhibiting T-cell functions. Furthermore, VEGFR-2 expression on activated T-cells and FoxP3high regulatory T-cells also allow a direct effect of VEGF-A. Anti-angiogenic agents targeting VEGF-A/VEGFR contribute to limit tumor-induced immunosuppression. Based on interesting preclinical studies, many clinical trials have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of anti-VEGF-A/VEGFR treatments combined with immune checkpoint blockade leading to the approvement of these associations in different tumor locations. In this review, we focus on the impact of VEGF-A on immune cells especially regulatory and effector T-cells and different therapeutic strategies to restore an antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juliette Palle
- Université de Paris, PARCC, INSERM, Paris, France.,Department of GI Oncology, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, Paris, France
| | | | - Magali Terme
- Université de Paris, PARCC, INSERM, Paris, France
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45
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Targeting galectins in T cell-based immunotherapy within tumor microenvironment. Life Sci 2021; 277:119426. [PMID: 33785342 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the past few years, tumor immunotherapy has emerged as an innovative tumor treatment and owned incomparable advantages over other tumor therapy. With unique complexity and uncertainty, immunotherapy still need helper to apply in the clinic. Galectins, modulated in tumor microenvironment, can regulate the disorders of innate and adaptive immune system resisting tumor growth. Considering the role of galectins in tumor immunosuppression, combination therapy of targeted anti-galectins and immunotherapy may be a promising tumor treatment. This brief review summarizes the expression and immune functions of different galectins in tumor microenvironment and discusses the potential value of anti-galectins in combination with checkpoint inhibitors in tumor immunotherapy.
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Araujo B de Lima V, Hansen M, Spanggaard I, Rohrberg K, Reker Hadrup S, Lassen U, Svane IM. Immune Cell Profiling of Peripheral Blood as Signature for Response During Checkpoint Inhibition Across Cancer Types. Front Oncol 2021; 11:558248. [PMID: 33842304 PMCID: PMC8027233 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.558248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite encouraging results with immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI), a large fraction of cancer patients still does not achieve clinical benefit. Finding predictive markers in the complexity of the tumor microenvironment is a challenging task and often requires invasive procedures. In our study, we looked for putative variables related to treatment benefit among immune cells in peripheral blood across different tumor types treated with ICIs. For that, we included 33 patients with different solid tumors referred to our clinical unit for ICI. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated at baseline, 6 and 20 weeks after treatment start. Characterization of immune cells was carried out by multi-color flow cytometry. Response to treatment was assessed radiologically by RECIST 1.1. Clinical outcome correlated with a shift towards an effector-like T cell phenotype, PD-1 expression by CD8+T cells, low levels of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and classical monocytes. Dendritic cells seemed also to play a role in terms of survival. From these findings, we hypothesized that patients responding to ICI had already at baseline an immune profile, here called ‘favorable immune periphery’, providing a higher chance of benefitting from ICI. We elaborated an index comprising cell types mentioned above. This signature correlated positively with the likelihood of benefiting from the treatment and ultimately with longer survival. Our study illustrates that patients responding to ICI seem to have a pre-existing immune profile in peripheral blood that favors good outcome. Exploring this signature can help to identify patients likely to achieve benefit from ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morten Hansen
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Iben Spanggaard
- Department of Oncology, Phase 1 Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Sine Reker Hadrup
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ulrik Lassen
- Department of Oncology, Phase 1 Unit, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Inge Marie Svane
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
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47
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Weiss SA, Sznol M. Resistance mechanisms to checkpoint inhibitors. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 69:47-55. [PMID: 33676271 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Although multiple immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been identified and tested in the clinic, antibodies blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 axis have produced the greatest impact on cancer treatment. Many potential mechanisms of treatment failure have been proposed from pre-clinical animal and human translational studies. Pre-clinical studies and clinical trials are underway to better understand how resistance arises and to develop strategies that can circumvent these resistance mechanisms and sensitize patients to anti-PD1/PD-L1 to improve clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Weiss
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), 333 Cedar St., P.O. Box 208032, New Haven, CT 06520, United States.
| | - Mario Sznol
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), 333 Cedar St., P.O. Box 208032, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
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48
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Calori IR, Bi H, Tedesco AC. Expanding the Limits of Photodynamic Therapy: The Design of Organelles and Hypoxia-Targeting Nanomaterials for Enhanced Photokilling of Cancer. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2021; 4:195-228. [PMID: 35014281 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.0c00945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a minimally invasive clinical protocol that combines a nontoxic photosensitizer (PS), appropriate visible light, and molecular oxygen for cancer treatment. This triad generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in situ, leading to different cell death pathways and limiting the arrival of nutrients by irreversible destruction of the tumor vascular system. Despite the number of formulations and applications available, the advancement of therapy is hindered by some characteristics such as the hypoxic condition of solid tumors and the limited energy density (light fluence) that reaches the target. As a result, the use of PDT as a definitive monotherapy for cancer is generally restricted to pretumor lesions or neoplastic tissue of approximately 1 cm in size. To expand this limitation, researchers have synthesized functional nanoparticles (NPs) capable of carrying classical photosensitizers with self-supplying oxygen as well as targeting specific organelles such as mitochondria and lysosomes. This has improved outcomes in vitro and in vivo. This review highlights the basis of PDT, many of the most commonly used strategies of functionalization of smart NPs, and their potential to break the current limits of the classical protocol of PDT against cancer. The application and future perspectives of the multifunctional nanoparticles in PDT are also discussed in some detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Italo Rodrigo Calori
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, Photobiology and Photomedicine Research Group, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-901, Brazil
| | - Hong Bi
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Anhui University, 111 Jiulong Road, Hefei 230601, China
| | - Antonio Claudio Tedesco
- Department of Chemistry, Center of Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, Photobiology and Photomedicine Research Group, Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo-Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo 14040-901, Brazil.,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Anhui Key Laboratory of Modern Biomanufacturing, Anhui University, 111 Jiulong Road, Hefei 230601, China
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49
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Wu S, Kuang H, Ke J, Pi M, Yang DH. Metabolic Reprogramming Induces Immune Cell Dysfunction in the Tumor Microenvironment of Multiple Myeloma. Front Oncol 2021; 10:591342. [PMID: 33520703 PMCID: PMC7845572 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.591342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells rewire metabolism to meet their increased nutritional demands, allowing the maintenance of tumor survival, proliferation, and expansion. Enhancement of glycolysis and glutaminolysis is identified in most, if not all cancers, including multiple myeloma (MM), which interacts with a hypoxic, acidic, and nutritionally deficient tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the metabolic changes including generation, depletion or accumulation of metabolites and signaling pathways, as well as their relationship with the TME in MM cells. Moreover, we describe the crosstalk among metabolism, TME, and changing function of immune cells during cancer progression. The overlapping metabolic phenotype between MM and immune cells is discussed. In this sense, targeting metabolism of MM cells is a promising therapeutic approach. We propose that it is important to define the metabolic signatures that may regulate the function of immune cells in TME in order to improve the response to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huixian Kuang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jin Ke
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials, Medical Center of Assessment of Bone & Joint Diseases, Orthopaedic Hospital, General Hospital of Southern Theater Command, Guangzhou, China
| | - Manfei Pi
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John’s University, New York, NY, United States
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50
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Wei C, Liu X, Wang Q, Li Q, Xie M. Identification of Hypoxia Signature to Assess the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Predict Prognosis in Patients with Ovarian Cancer. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:4156187. [PMID: 34950205 PMCID: PMC8692015 DOI: 10.1155/2021/4156187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 5-year overall survival rate of ovarian cancer (OC) patients is less than 40%. Hypoxia promotes the proliferation of OC cells and leads to the decline of cell immunity. It is crucial to find potential predictors or risk model related to OC prognosis. This study aimed at establishing the hypoxia-associated gene signature to assess tumor immune microenvironment and predicting the prognosis of OC. METHODS The gene expression data of 378 OC patients and 370 OC patients were downloaded from datasets. The hypoxia risk model was constructed to reflect the immune microenvironment in OC and predict prognosis. RESULTS 8 genes (AKAP12, ALDOC, ANGPTL4, CITED2, ISG20, PPP1R15A, PRDX5, and TGFBI) were included in the hypoxic gene signature. Patients in the high hypoxia risk group showed worse survival. Hypoxia signature significantly related to clinical features and may serve as an independent prognostic factor for OC patients. 2 types of immune cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cell and regulatory T cell, showed a significant infiltration in the tissues of the high hypoxia risk group patients. Most of the immunosuppressive genes (such as ARG1, CD160, CD244, CXCL12, DNMT1, and HAVCR1) and immune checkpoints (such as CD80, CTLA4, and CD274) were upregulated in the high hypoxia risk group. Gene sets related to the high hypoxia risk group were associated with signaling pathways of cell cycle, MAPK, mTOR, PI3K-Akt, VEGF, and AMPK. CONCLUSION The hypoxia risk model could serve as an independent prognostic indicator and reflect overall immune response intensity in the OC microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Wei
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Shangzhou District, Shangluo, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qipei Li
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Min Xie
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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