1
|
Ma W, Yue Y, Dong B, Wei L, Tian L. Blood MALT1 serves as a potential biomarker reflecting the response and survival of immune‑checkpoint‑inhibitor therapy in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:476. [PMID: 39161329 PMCID: PMC11332575 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Treatment modalities involving an immune-checkpoint-inhibitor (ICI) have emerged as therapeutic options in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, auxiliary biomarkers are required to evaluate their efficacy. The present study aimed to assess the potential of blood mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue 1 (MALT1) in reflecting clinical response and prognosis in patients with advanced HCC who received ICI therapy. Peripheral blood was collected from 51 patients with advanced HCC who were about to receive ICI or ICI-based treatment. Blood MALT1 levels were determined using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, and the blood MALT1 levels in 50 healthy controls (HCs) were also assessed. Besides, the treatment response and survival data were collected. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used for comparison analysis and the Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test was used for correlation analysis. The prognostic value of MALT1 was determined by Kaplan-Meier curve analysis with the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to identify factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The results demonstrated that blood MALT1 levels were significantly increased in patients with advanced HCC compared with that in HCs (P<0.001). Blood MALT1 levels were increased in patients with portal vein invasion (vs. without portal vein invasion; P=0.010), extrahepatic disease (vs. without extrahepatic disease; P=0.026) and α-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥200 ng/ml (vs. AFP <200 ng/ml; P=0.040). After 4 cycles of ICI therapy, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) was 29.4 and 68.6%, respectively. Blood MALT1 levels were also significantly and negatively associated with the ORR (P=0.043) and DCR (P=0.004). Furthermore, PFS and OS were shortened in patients with high blood MALT1 levels (cut-off by the median) compared to those with low blood MALT1 levels. After adjusting using multivariate Cox regression models, high blood MALT1 levels were demonstrated to be a significant independent risk factor for shortened PFS [hazard ratio (HR)=2.419; P=0.009] and OS (HR=2.706, P=0.018) in patients with advanced HCC who received ICI therapy. In summary, blood MALT1 levels serve as a potential biomarker to reflect treatment response and survival in patients with advanced HCC who receive ICI therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiping Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Yachao Yue
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Bing Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Wei
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, Shangxi 030032, P.R. China
| | - Liying Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Handan Central Hospital, Handan, Hebei 056000, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Du G, Dou C, Sun P, Wang S, Liu J, Ma L. Regulatory T cells and immune escape in HCC: understanding the tumor microenvironment and advancing CAR-T cell therapy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1431211. [PMID: 39136031 PMCID: PMC11317284 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1431211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer, which most commonly manifests as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is the sixth most common cancer in the world. In HCC, the immune system plays a crucial role in the growth and proliferation of tumor cells. HCC achieve immune escape through the tumor microenvironment, which significantly promotes the development of this cancer. Here, this article introduces and summarizes the functions and effects of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the tumor microenvironment, highlighting how Tregs inhibit and regulate the functions of immune and tumor cells, cytokines, ligands and receptors, etc, thereby promoting tumor immune escape. In addition, it discusses the mechanism of CAR-T therapy for HCC and elaborate on the relationship between CAR-T and Tregs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangtan Du
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cunmiao Dou
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Medical Department of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shasha Wang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| | - Leina Ma
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Garcia A, Mathew SO. Racial/Ethnic Disparities and Immunotherapeutic Advances in the Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2446. [PMID: 39001508 PMCID: PMC11240753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132446] [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: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains one of the leading causes of death among many associated liver diseases. Various conventional strategies have been utilized for treatment, ranging from invasive surgeries and liver transplants to radiation therapy, but fail due to advanced disease progression, late screening/staging, and the various etiologies of HCC. This is especially evident within racially distinct populations, where incidence rates are higher and treatment outcomes are worse for racial/ethnic minorities than their Caucasian counterparts. However, with the rapid development of genetic engineering and molecular and synthetic biology, many novel strategies have presented promising results and have provided potential treatment options. In this review, we summarize past treatments, how they have shaped current treatments, and potential treatment strategies for HCC that may prove more effective in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexsis Garcia
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Stephen O Mathew
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Genetics, UNT Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yue B, Gao Y, Hu Y, Zhan M, Wu Y, Lu L. Harnessing CD8 + T cell dynamics in hepatitis B virus-associated liver diseases: Insights, therapies and future directions. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1731. [PMID: 38935536 PMCID: PMC11210506 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1731] [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: 02/05/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection playsa significant role in the etiology and progression of liver-relatedpathologies, encompassing chronic hepatitis, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and eventual hepatocellularcarcinoma (HCC). Notably, HBV infection stands as the primary etiologicalfactor driving the development of HCC. Given the significant contribution ofHBV infection to liver diseases, a comprehensive understanding of immunedynamics in the liver microenvironment, spanning chronic HBV infection,fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC, is essential. In this review, we focused on thefunctional alterations of CD8+ T cells within the pathogenic livermicroenvironment from HBV infection to HCC. We thoroughly reviewed the roles ofhypoxia, acidic pH, metabolic reprogramming, amino acid deficiency, inhibitory checkpointmolecules, immunosuppressive cytokines, and the gut-liver communication in shapingthe dysfunction of CD8+ T cells in the liver microenvironment. Thesefactors significantly impact the clinical prognosis. Furthermore, we comprehensivelyreviewed CD8+ T cell-based therapy strategies for liver diseases,encompassing HBV infection, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and HCC. Strategies includeimmune checkpoint blockades, metabolic T-cell targeting therapy, therapeuticT-cell vaccination, and adoptive transfer of genetically engineered CD8+ T cells, along with the combined usage of programmed cell death protein-1/programmeddeath ligand-1 (PD-1/PD-L1) inhibitors with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants.Given that targeting CD8+ T cells at various stages of hepatitis Bvirus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV + HCC) shows promise, we reviewedthe ongoing need for research to elucidate the complex interplay between CD8+ T cells and the liver microenvironment in the progression of HBV infection toHCC. We also discussed personalized treatment regimens, combining therapeuticstrategies and harnessing gut microbiota modulation, which holds potential forenhanced clinical benefits. In conclusion, this review delves into the immunedynamics of CD8+ T cells, microenvironment changes, and therapeuticstrategies within the liver during chronic HBV infection, HCC progression, andrelated liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing Yue
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yuxia Gao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yi Hu
- Microbiology and Immunology DepartmentSchool of MedicineFaculty of Medical ScienceJinan UniversityGuangzhouGuangdongChina
| | - Meixiao Zhan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| | - Ligong Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumour Interventional Diagnosis and TreatmentZhuhai Institute of Translational MedicineZhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University (Zhuhai People's Hospital), Jinan UniversityZhuhaiGuangdongChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sim YK, Chong MC, Gandhi M, Pokharkar YM, Zhu Y, Shi L, Lequn L, Chen CH, Kudo M, Lee JH, Strasser SI, Chanwat R, Chow PK. Real-World Data on the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Asia-Pacific: The INSIGHT Study. Liver Cancer 2024; 13:298-313. [PMID: 38756144 PMCID: PMC11095624 DOI: 10.1159/000534513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. While there has been rapid evolution in the treatment paradigm of HCC across the past decade, the extent to which these newly approved therapies are utilized in clinical practice in the real world is, however, unknown. The INSIGHT study was an investigator-initiated, multi-site longitudinal cohort study conducted to reflect real-world epidemiology and clinical practice in Asia-Pacific in the immediate 7-year period after the conclusion of the BRIDGE study. Methods Data were collected both retrospectively (planned 30% of the total cohort size) and prospectively (planned 70%) from January 2013 to December 2019 from eligible patients newly diagnosed with HCC from 33 participating sites across 9 Asia-Pacific countries. Results A total of 2,533 newly diagnosed HCC patients (1,052 in retrospective cohort and 1,481 in prospective cohort) were enrolled. The most common risk factor was hepatitis B in all countries except Japan, Australia, and New Zealand, where the prevalence of hepatitis C and diabetes were more common. The top three comorbidities reported in the INSIGHT study include cirrhosis, hypertension, and diabetes. We observe high heterogeneity in the first-line treatment recorded across countries and across disease stages, which significantly affects survival outcomes. Stratification by factors such as etiologies, tumor characteristics, the presence of extrahepatic metastases or macrovascular invasion, and the use of subsequent lines of treatment were performed. Conclusion The INSIGHT study describes a wide spectrum of clinical management practices in HCC, where patient demographics, differential costs, and patient access to therapies may lead to wide geographical variations through the patient's treatment cycle, from diagnosis to clinical outcome. The high heterogeneity in patient outcomes demonstrates the need for more robust and clinical management strategies to be designed and adopted to bring about better patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ki Sim
- Programme in Translational and Clinical Liver Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ming Chuen Chong
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mihir Gandhi
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine and Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research: Global Health Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
| | - Yogesh Mahadev Pokharkar
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yanan Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Luming Shi
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Li Lequn
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Centre, Nanning, China
| | - Chien-Hung Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Masatoshi Kudo
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Joon Hyeok Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology, Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Simone I. Strasser
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rawisak Chanwat
- Department of Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Pierce K.H. Chow
- Programme in Translational and Clinical Liver Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Surgery Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - on behalf of the Asia-Pacific Hepatocellular Carcinoma Trials Group
- Programme in Translational and Clinical Liver Research, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Medicine, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Biostatistics, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Centre for Quantitative Medicine and Lien Centre for Palliative Care, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Tampere Center for Child, Adolescent, and Maternal Health Research: Global Health Group, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland
- Department of Epidemiology, Singapore Clinical Research Institute, Consortium for Clinical Research and Innovation Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Centre, Nanning, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kindai University Hospital, Osaka, Japan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Samsung Medical Centre, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
- AW Morrow Gastroenterology and Liver Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Surgery, National Cancer Institute, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary and Transplant Surgery, National Cancer Centre Singapore and Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Surgery Academic Clinical Programme, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Teng Y, Xu J, Wang Y, Wen N, Ye H, Li B. Combining a glycolysis‑related prognostic model based on scRNA‑Seq with experimental verification identifies ZFP41 as a potential prognostic biomarker for HCC. Mol Med Rep 2024; 29:78. [PMID: 38516783 PMCID: PMC10975023 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2024.13203] [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: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy with a poor prognosis, and its heterogeneity affects the response to clinical treatments. Glycolysis is highly associated with HCC therapy and prognosis. The present study aimed to identify a novel biomarker for HCC by exploring the heterogeneity of glycolysis in HCC. The intersection of both marker genes of glycolysis‑related cell clusters from single‑cell RNA sequencing analysis and mRNA data of liver HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas were used to construct a prognostic model through Cox proportional hazard regression and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator Cox regression. Data from the International Cancer Genome Consortium were used to validate the results of the analysis. Immune status analysis was then conducted. A significant gene in the prognostic model was identified as a potential biomarker and was verified through in vitro experiments. The results revealed that the glycolysis‑related prognostic model divided patients with HCC into high‑ and low‑risk groups. A nomogram combining the model and clinical features exhibited accurate predictive ability, with an area under the curve of 0.763 at 3 years. The high‑risk group exhibited a higher expression of checkpoint genes and lower tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion scores, suggesting that this group may be more likely to benefit from immunotherapy. The tumor tissues had a higher zinc finger protein (ZFP)41 mRNA and protein expression compared with the adjacent tissues. In vitro analyses revealed that ZFP41 played a crucial role in cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion and glycolysis. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the glycolysis‑related prognostic gene, ZFP41, is a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target, and may play a crucial role in glycolysis and malignancy in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Teng
- West China School of Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Jianrong Xu
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yaoqun Wang
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ningyuan Wen
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Hui Ye
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Bei Li
- Research Center for Biliary Diseases, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Division of Biliary Tract Surgery, Department of General Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang S, Liao Z, He X, Song Z, Fang X, Wen S, Yang L, Li H, Zhang Q, Mo W, Cheng X, He M, Huang X. Ethanol responsive lnc171 promotes migration and invasion of HCC cells via mir-873-5p/ZEB1 axis. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:550. [PMID: 38693503 PMCID: PMC11064308 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12309-3] [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: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Long nonconding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to be a vital regulatory factor in the development process of human cancer, and could regarded as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers for human cancers. Here, we aim to confirm the expression and molecular mechanism of RP11-171K16.5 (lnc171) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS Screening of differentially expressed lncRNAs by RNA sequencing. Expression level of gene was studied by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The effects of lnc171, mir-873-5p, and ethanol on migration and invasion activity of cells were studied used transwell assay, and luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the binding site. RESULTS RNA sequencing showed that lnc171 was markedly up-regulated in HCC. siRNA-mediated knockdown of lnc171 repressed the migration and invasion ability of HCC cells. Bioinformatic analysis, dual luciferase reporter assay, and qRT-PCR indicated that lnc171 interacted with mir-873-5p in HCC cells, and Zin-finger E-box binding homeobox (ZEB1) was a downstream target gene of mir-873-5p. In addition, lnc171 could enhance migration and invasion ability of HCC cells by up-regulating ZEB1 via sponging mir-873-5p. More interestingly, ethanol stimulation could up-regulate the increase of lnc171, thereby regulating the expression of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network factors which lnc171 participated in HCC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our date demonstrates that lnc171 was a responsive factor of ethanol, and plays a vital role in development of HCC via binding of mir-873-5p.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiping Huang
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Zhouxiang Liao
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiao He
- School of Public Health, Guilin Medical School, Guilin, 541199, China
| | - Zhenyu Song
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xi Fang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Sha Wen
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Laboratory Animal Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Lichao Yang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Hui Li
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Qi Zhang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Wanling Mo
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiaojing Cheng
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- Life Sciences Institute of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Min He
- School of Public Health, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Laboratory Animal Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
- Key Laboratory of High-Incidence-Tumor Prevention & Treatment, Guangxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Nanning, 530021, China.
| | - Xuejing Huang
- Laboratory Animal Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Xu MY, Zeng N, Liu CQ, Sun JX, An Y, Zhang SH, Xu JZ, Zhong XY, Ma SY, He HD, Hu J, Xia QD, Wang SG. Enhanced cellular therapy: revolutionizing adoptive cellular therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:47. [PMID: 38664743 PMCID: PMC11046957 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00506-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced cellular therapy has emerged as a novel concept following the basis of cellular therapy. This treatment modality applied drugs or biotechnology to directly enhance or genetically modify cells to enhance the efficacy of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT). Drugs or biotechnology that enhance the killing ability of immune cells include immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) / antibody drugs, small molecule inhibitors, immunomodulatory factors, proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC), oncolytic virus (OV), etc. Firstly, overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment (TME) can enhance the efficacy of ACT, which can be achieved by blocking the immune checkpoint. Secondly, cytokines or cytokine receptors can be expressed by genetic engineering or added directly to adoptive cells to enhance the migration and infiltration of adoptive cells to tumor cells. Moreover, multi-antigen chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) can be designed to enhance the specific recognition of tumor cell-related antigens, and OVs can also stimulate antigen release. In addition to inserting suicide genes into adoptive cells, PROTAC technology can be used as a safety switch or degradation agent of immunosuppressive factors to enhance the safety and efficacy of adoptive cells. This article comprehensively summarizes the mechanism, current situation, and clinical application of enhanced cellular therapy, describing potential improvements to adoptive cellular therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yao Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Na Zeng
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Chen-Qian Liu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jian-Xuan Sun
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ye An
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Han Zhang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jin-Zhou Xu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xing-Yu Zhong
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Si-Yang Ma
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Hao-Dong He
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Jia Hu
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Qi-Dong Xia
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| | - Shao-Gang Wang
- Department and Institute of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No.1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zeng D, Yu C, Chen S, Zou L, Chen J, Xu L. Assessment of disease control rate and safety of sorafenib in targeted therapy for advanced liver cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2024; 22:93. [PMID: 38605359 PMCID: PMC11010384 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-024-03364-y] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The clinical efficacy and safety of sorafenib in patients with advanced liver cancer (ALC) were evaluated based on transarterial chemoembolization (TACE). METHODS 92 patients with ALC admitted to our hospital from May 2020 to August 2022 were randomly rolled into a control (Ctrl) group and an observation (Obs) group, with 46 patients in each. Patients in the Ctrl group received TACE treatment, while those in the Obs group received sorafenib molecular targeted therapy (SMTT) on the basis of the treatment strategy in the Ctrl group (400 mg/dose, twice daily, followed by a 4-week follow-up observation). Clinical efficacy, disease control rate (DCR), survival time (ST), immune indicators (CD3+, CD4+, CD4+/CD8+), and adverse reactions (ARs) (including mild fatigue, liver pain, hand-foot syndrome (HFS), diarrhea, and fever) were compared for patients in different groups after different treatments. RESULTS the DCR in the Obs group (90%) was greatly higher to that in the Ctrl group (78%), showing an obvious difference (P < 0.05). The median ST in the Obs group was obviously longer and the median disease progression time (DPT) was shorter, exhibiting great differences with those in the Ctrl group (P < 0.05). Moreover, no great difference was observed in laboratory indicators between patients in various groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, the Obs group exhibited better levels in all indicators. Furthermore, the incidence of ARs in the Obs group was lower and exhibited a sharp difference with that in the Ctrl group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION SMTT had demonstrated good efficacy in patients with ALC, improving the DCR, enhancing the immune response of the body, and reducing the incidence of ARs, thereby promoting the disease outcome. Therefore, it was a treatment method worthy of promotion and application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daolin Zeng
- Minimally Invasive Intervention Department, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Chunlin Yu
- Minimally Invasive Intervention Department, Ganzhou People's Hospital, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, 341000, China
| | - Shiyao Chen
- Jiangxi Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330012, China
| | - Long Zou
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Department, Jiangxi Province Cancer Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330029, China
| | - Junjun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Personalized Diagnosis and Treatment of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, National Health Commission (NHC), Jiangxi Cancer Hospital of Nanchang Medical College, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330029, China
| | - Linlong Xu
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Jiujiang First People's Hospital, 48 Taling South Road Jiujiang, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, 332000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun Y, Sun S, Chen R, Shen J, Chen X, Lin Y, Yao S. Diaphragm ultrasonography as a monitor in assessing antagonistic effect of sugammadex on rocuronium in patients with Child-Pugh grades A and B. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1370021. [PMID: 38686365 PMCID: PMC11057376 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1370021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Although diaphragm ultrasound can be used for detecting residual neuromuscular blockade post-surgery, there exists notable dearth in contemporary research exploring the correlation between preoperative Child-Pugh classification and the effectiveness of sugammadex in reversing rocuronium-induced blockade as evaluated by diaphragmatic ultrasonography. Methods This was a prospective, double-blind, non-randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on patients scheduled for laparoscopic liver resection surgery. The participants were categorized into two groups, A and B, based on their preoperative Child-Pugh classification. Prior to anesthesia induction, baseline diaphragm thickness was evaluated using ultrasonography. Throughout the surgical procedure, a deep neuromuscular blockade was maintained with rocuronium. Post-surgery, sugammadex (2 mg/kg) was intravenously administered to patients in both groups upon reaching a train-of-four ratio of 0.2. Diaphragm thickness was assessed at 0, 10, and 30 min, as well as 2 h after extubation, to analyze thickening fractioning (TF) and thickness recovery fractioning (TRF). Results No significant differences in TF or TRF were observed between the two groups at 0, 10, and 30 min, as well as 2 h after extubation. Furthermore, there were no significant variances in hemodynamic stability following sugammadex administration. However, patients in the Child-Pugh B group experienced a significantly prolonged time from sugammadex administration to tracheal extubation (19 ± 8.0 min vs. 11 ± 6.1 min) and an extended post-anesthesia care unit stay (123 ± 28.3 min vs. 103 ± 26.0 min) compared to those in the Child-Pugh A group. Conclusion The preoperative Child-Pugh grades may not exhibit a significant association with the reversal effect of sugammadex on rocuronium, as evaluated through diaphragmatic ultrasonography. Clinical trial registration Registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05028088) on July 18, 2021.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shujun Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiwei Shen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiangdong Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanglong Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Institute of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Huazhong University of Science and Technology), Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Gajos-Michniewicz A, Czyz M. WNT/β-catenin signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: The aberrant activation, pathogenic roles, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:727-746. [PMID: 37692481 PMCID: PMC10491942 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.02.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a liver cancer, highly heterogeneous both at the histopathological and molecular levels. It arises from hepatocytes as the result of the accumulation of numerous genomic alterations in various signaling pathways, including canonical WNT/β-catenin, AKT/mTOR, MAPK pathways as well as signaling associated with telomere maintenance, p53/cell cycle regulation, epigenetic modifiers, and oxidative stress. The role of WNT/β-catenin signaling in liver homeostasis and regeneration is well established, whereas in development and progression of HCC is extensively studied. Herein, we review recent advances in our understanding of how WNT/β-catenin signaling facilitates the HCC development, acquisition of stemness features, metastasis, and resistance to treatment. We outline genetic and epigenetic alterations that lead to activated WNT/β-catenin signaling in HCC. We discuss the pivotal roles of CTNNB1 mutations, aberrantly expressed non-coding RNAs and complexity of crosstalk between WNT/β-catenin signaling and other signaling pathways as challenging or advantageous aspects of therapy development and molecular stratification of HCC patients for treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Gajos-Michniewicz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Czyz
- Department of Molecular Biology of Cancer, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz 92-215, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Yuan LX, Luo M, Liu RY, Wang HX, Ju LL, Wang F, Cao YL, Wang ZC, Chen L. Hsa_circ_0005397 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression through EIF4A3. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:239. [PMID: 38383334 PMCID: PMC10882807 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-11984-6] [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: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to explore the expression and potential mechanism of hsa_circ_0005397 in hepatocellular carcinoma progression. METHODS Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR) was used to measure the expression level of hsa_circ_0005397 and EIF4A3 from paired HCC tissues and cell lines. Western Blot (WB) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) were used to verify the protein level of EIF4A3. The specificity of primers was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) Curve was drawn to analyze diagnostic value. Actinomycin D and nuclear and cytoplasmic extraction assays were utilized to evaluate the characteristics of hsa_circ_0005397. Cell Counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and colony formation assays were performed to detect cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect the cell cycle. Transwell assay was performed to determine migration and invasion ability. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) of hsa_circ_0005397 in HCC were explored using bioinformatics websites. The relationship between hsa_circ_0005397 and Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) was verified by RNA Binding Protein Immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays, correlation and rescue experiments. RESULTS In this study, hsa_circ_0005397 was found to be significantly upregulated in HCC, and the good diagnostic sensitivity and specificity shown a potential diagnostic capability. Upregulated expression of hsa_circ_0005397 was significantly related to tumor size and stage. Hsa_circ_0005397 was circular structure which more stable than liner mRNA, and mostly distributed in the cytoplasm. Upregulation of hsa_circ_0005397 generally resulted in stronger proliferative ability, clonality, and metastatic potency of HCC cells; its downregulation yielded the opposite results. EIF4A3 is an RNA-binding protein of hsa_circ_0005397, which overexpressed in paired HCC tissues and cell lines. In addition, expression of hsa_circ_0005397 decreased equally when EIF4A3 was depleted. RIP assays and correlation assay estimated that EIF4A3 could interacted with hsa_circ_0005397. Knockdown of EIF4A3 could reverse hsa_circ_0005397 function in HCC progression. CONCLUSIONS Hsa_circ_0005397 promotes progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through EIF4A3. These research findings may provide novel clinical value for hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Xia Yuan
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mei Luo
- Nantong Third People's Hospital, Medical School of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruo-Yu Liu
- Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui-Xuan Wang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin-Ling Ju
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feng Wang
- Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ya-Li Cao
- Preventive Health Department, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhong-Cheng Wang
- Hepatology Department of integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People's Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, 226000, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Li W, Zhou M, Wang L, Huang L, Chen X, Sun X, Liu T. Evaluation of the safety and efficiency of cytotoxic T cell therapy sensitized by tumor antigens original from T-ALL-iPSC in vivo. CANCER INNOVATION 2024; 3:e95. [PMID: 38948536 PMCID: PMC11212296 DOI: 10.1002/cai2.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Background Since RNA sequencing has shown that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) share a common antigen profile with tumor cells, cancer vaccines that focus on iPSCs have made promising progress in recent years. Previously, we showed that iPSCs derived from leukemic cells of patients with primary T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) have a gene expression profile similar to that of T-ALL cell lines. Methods Mice with T-ALL were treated with dendritic and T (DC-T) cells loaded with intact and complete antigens from T-ALL-derived iPSCs (T-ALL-iPSCs). We evaluated the safety and antitumor efficiency of autologous tumor-derived iPSC antigens by flow cytometry, cytokine release assay, acute toxicity experiments, long-term toxicity experiments, and other methods. Results Our results indicate that complete tumor antigens from T-ALL-iPSCs could inhibit the growth of inoculated tumors in immunocompromised mice without causing acute and long-term toxicity. Conclusion T-ALL-iPSC-based treatment is safe and can be used as a potential strategy for leukemia immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiran Li
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Meiling Zhou
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Liying Huang
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Xizhuo Sun
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
| | - Tao Liu
- Department of Tumor Immunotherapy, Shenzhen Luohu People's HospitalThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen UniversityShenzhenGuangdongChina
- Cell Quality Testing Laboratory of Shenzhen Luohu Hospital GroupShenzhenGuangdongChina
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhuang Q, Dai Z, Xu X, Bai S, Zhang Y, Zheng Y, Xing X, Hu E, Wang Y, Guo W, Zhao B, Zeng Y, Liu X. RNA Methyltransferase FTSJ3 Regulates the Type I Interferon Pathway to Promote Hepatocellular Carcinoma Immune Evasion. Cancer Res 2024; 84:405-418. [PMID: 37963197 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade have achieved remarkable success in treating cancer. Unfortunately, response rates have been limited in multiple cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The critical function of epigenetics in tumor immune evasion and antitumor immunity supports harnessing epigenetic regulators as a potential strategy to enhance the efficacy of immunotherapy. Here, we discovered a tumor-promoting function of FTSJ3, an RNA 2'-O-methyltransferase, in HCC by suppressing antitumor immune responses. FTSJ3 was upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, and high FTSJ3 expression correlated with reduced patient survival. Deletion of FTSJ3 blocked HCC growth and induced robust antitumor immune responses. Mechanistically, FTSJ3 suppressed double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-induced IFNβ signaling in a 2'-O-methyltransferase manner. Deletion of RNA sensors in HCC cells or systemic knockout of type I IFN receptor IFNAR in mice rescued the in vivo tumor growth defect caused by FTSJ3 deficiency, indicating that FTSJ3 deletion suppresses tumor growth by activating the RNA sensor-mediated type I IFN pathway. Furthermore, FTSJ3 deletion significantly enhanced the efficacy of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immune checkpoint blockade. The combination of FTSJ3 deficiency and anti-PD-1 antibody treatment effectively eradicated tumors and increased the survival time. In conclusion, this study reveals an epigenetic mechanism of tumor immune evasion and, importantly, suggests FTSJ3-targeting therapies as potential approach to overcome immunotherapy resistance in patients with HCC. SIGNIFICANCE Hepatocellular carcinoma cells use 2'-O-methylation catalyzed by FTSJ3 for immune evasion by suppressing abnormal dsRNA-mediated type I IFN responses, providing a potential target to activate antitumor immunity and enhance immunotherapy efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Zhuang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zhiguo Dai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xuechun Xu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shaoyi Bai
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yindan Zhang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Youshi Zheng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaohua Xing
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - En Hu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yingchao Wang
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Wuhua Guo
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Bixing Zhao
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yongyi Zeng
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- The United Innovation of Mengchao Hepatobiliary Technology Key Laboratory of Fujian Province, Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- The Liver Center of Fujian Province, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
- Mengchao Med-X Center, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Xu B, Li M, Weng N, Zhou C, Chen Y, Wei J, Fu L. Pan-Cancer Analysis Reveals Disulfidoptosis-Associated Genes as Promising Immunotherapeutic Targets: Insights Gained from Bulk Omics and Single-Cell Sequencing Validation. Biomedicines 2024; 12:267. [PMID: 38397869 PMCID: PMC10887130 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12020267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Disulfidoptosis, a novel form of cell death, is distinct from other well-known cell death mechanisms. Consequently, a profound investigation into disulfidoptosis elucidates the fundamental mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, presenting promising avenues for therapeutic intervention. Comprehensive analysis of disulfidoptosis-associated gene (DRG) expression in pan cancer utilized TCGA, GEO, and ICGC datasets, including survival and Cox-regression analyses for prognostic evaluation. We analyzed the association between DRG expression and both immune cell infiltration and immune-related gene expression using the ESTIMATE and TISDIB datasets. We obtained our single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from the GEO repository. Subsequently, we assessed disulfidoptosis activity in various cell types. Evaluation of immune cell infiltration and biological functions was analyzed via single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) and gene set variation analysis (GSVA). For in vitro validation experiments, the results from real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) and Western blot were used to explore the expression of SLC7A11 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues and different cancer cell lines, while siRNA-mediated SLC7A11 knockdown effects on HCC cell proliferation and migration were examined. Expression levels of DRGs, especially SLC7A11, were significantly elevated in tumor samples compared to normal samples, which was associated with poorer outcomes. Except for SLC7A11, DRGs consistently exhibited high CNV and SNV rates, particularly in HCC. In various tumors, DRGs were negatively associated with DNA promoter methylation. TME analyses further illustrated a negative correlation of DRG expression with ImmuneScore and StromalScore and a positive correlation with tumor purity. Our analysis unveiled diverse cellular subgroups within HCC, particularly focusing on Treg cell populations, providing insights into the intricate interplay of immune activation and suppression within the tumor microenvironment (TME). These findings were further validated through RT-qPCR, Western blot analyses, and immunohistochemical analyses. Additionally, the knockdown of SLC7A11 induced a suppression of proliferation and migration in HCC cell lines. In conclusion, our comprehensive pan-cancer analysis research has demonstrated the significant prognostic and immunological role of disulfidoptosis across a spectrum of tumors, notably HCC, and identified SLC7A11 as a promising therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Borui Xu
- Department of Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Minghao Li
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Nuoqing Weng
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.)
| | - Chuzhou Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518033, China; (N.W.); (C.Z.)
| | - Yinghui Chen
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Jiangmen 529030, China;
| | - Jinhuan Wei
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
| | - Liangmin Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang T, Guo K, Yang S, Zhang D, Cui H, Yin J, Yuan S, Wang Y, Qi Y, Wu W. Identification and validation of SLCO4C1 as a biological marker in hepatocellular carcinoma based on anoikis classification features. Aging (Albany NY) 2024; 16:1440-1462. [PMID: 38226966 PMCID: PMC10866452 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) exhibits a high degree of invasiveness and is closely associated with rapid disease progression. Multiple lines of evidence indicate a strong correlation between anoikis resistance and tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Nevertheless, the classification of anoikis in HCC and the investigation of novel biological target mechanisms in this context continue to pose challenges, requiring further exploration. METHODS Combined with HCC samples from TCGA, GEO and ICGC databases, cluster analysis was conducted on anoikis genes, revealing novel patterns among different subtypes. Significant gene analysis of different gene subtypes was performed using WCGNA. The anoikis prognostic risk model was established by Lasso-Cox. Go, KEGG, and GSEA were applied to investigate pathway enrichment primarily observed in risk groups. We compared the disparities in immune infiltration, TMB, tumor microenvironment (TME), and drug sensitivity between the two risk groups. RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to validate the expression levels of SLCO4C1 in HCC. The biological functions of SLCO4C1 in HCC cells were assessed through various experiments, including CCK8 assay, colony formation assay, invasion migration assay, wound healing assay, and flow cytometry analysis. RESULTS HCC was divided into 2 anoikis subtypes, and the subtypeB had a better prognosis. An anoikis prognostic model based on 12 (COPZ2, ACTG2, IFI27, SPP1, EPO, SLCO4C1, RAB26, STC2, RAC3, NQO1, MYCN, HSPA1B) risk genes is important for survival and prognosis. Significant differences were observed in immune cell infiltration, TME, and drug sensitivity analysis between the risk groups. SLCO4C1 was downregulated in HCC. SLCO4C1 downregulation promoted the proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis of HCC cells. The tumor-suppressive role of SLCO4C1 in HCC has been confirmed. CONCLUSIONS Our study presents a novel anoikis classification method for HCC that reveals the association between anoikis features and HCC. The anoikis feature is a critical biomarker bridging tumor cell death and tumor immunity. In this study, we provided the first evidence of SLCO4C1 functioning as a tumor suppressor in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tianbing Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Kai Guo
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Shoushan Yang
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230000, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
- Department of General Surgery, Luan Fourth People’s Hospital, Luan 237000, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Clinical Genomic Center, Hefei KingMed for Clinical Laboratory, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Haodong Cui
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230000, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Jimin Yin
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230000, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Shuhui Yuan
- Anhui Huaheng Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Hefei 230000, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Yong Qi
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
| | - Wenyong Wu
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital Clinical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
- Anhui No. 2 Provincial People’s Hospital, Hefei 230000, China
- The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230000, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ge J, Chen J, Shen Q, Zheng X, Chen X, Shi L, Chen L, Xu B. Comprehensive Analysis of the Immunosuppressive Function of Regulatory T Cells in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Tissues. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241251580. [PMID: 38712609 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241251580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-based therapies are commonly employed to combat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the presence of immune-regulating elements, especially regulatory T cells (Tregs), can dramatically impact the treatment efficacy. A deeper examination of the immune-regulation mechanisms linked to these inhibitory factors and their impact on HCC patient outcomes is warranted. METHODS We employed multicolor fluorescence immunohistochemistry (mIHC) to stain Foxp3, cytokeratin, and nuclei on an HCC tissue microarray (TMA). Leveraging liver cancer transcriptome data from TCGA, we built a prognostic model focused on Treg-associated gene sets and represented it with a nomogram. We then sourced liver cancer single-cell RNA sequencing data (GSE140228) from the GEO database, selectively focusing on Treg subsets, and conducted further analyses, including cell-to-cell communication and pseudo-time trajectory examination. RESULTS Our mIHC results revealed a more substantial presence of Foxp3+Tregs in HCC samples than in adjacent normal tissue samples (P < .001). An increased presence of Foxp3+Tregs in HCC samples correlated with unfavorable patient outcomes (HR = 1.722, 95% CI:1.023-2.899, P = .041). The multi-factorial prognosis model we built from TCGA liver cancer data highlighted Tregs as a standalone risk determinant for predicting outcomes (HR = 3.84, 95% CI:2.52-5.83, P < .001). Re-analyzing the scRNA-seq dataset (GSE140228) showcased distinctive gene expression patterns in Tregs from varying tissues. Interactions between Tregs and other CD4+T cell types were predominantly governed by the CXCL13/CXCR3 signaling pathway. Communication pathways between Tregs and macrophages primarily involved MIF-CD74/CXCR4, LGALS9/CD45, and PTPRC/MRC1. Additionally, macrophages could influence Tregs via HLA-class II and CD4 interactions. CONCLUSION An elevated presence of Tregs in HCC samples correlated with negative patient outcomes. Elucidating the interplay between Tregs and other immune cells in HCC could provide insights into the modulatory role of Tregs within HCC tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Ge
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Junjun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Qiong Shen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xuemin Chen
- Radiological Intervention Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Liangrong Shi
- Radiological Intervention Center, Department of Radiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
- Institute of Cell Therapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Jeng LB, Wang J, Teng CF. Predictive Biomarkers of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Based Mono- and Combination Therapies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Cancer 2024; 15:484-493. [PMID: 38169551 PMCID: PMC10758026 DOI: 10.7150/jca.90128] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most frequent and deadly human cancers worldwide. It has been shown that interaction between immune checkpoint receptors and ligands plays a crucial role in inhibition of T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses, thereby assisting tumor cells to evade the host immune surveillance. Therefore, several immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) that selectively block immune checkpoint receptors or ligands have been developed as clinically effective and safe immunotherapeutic agents for treating HCC, including the inhibitors targeting cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4, programmed death 1, and programmed death ligand 1. In addition, various combinations of ICIs and other ICIs or tyrosine kinase inhibitors or vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors have also emerged as clinically beneficial treatments for HCC. However, the overall response rates of ICI mono-therapy and combination therapy in HCC patients remain unsatisfied, highlighting the urgent need for discovering valuable predictive biomarkers to achieve personalized therapy. This review comprehensively summarizes the literature-based evidence validating a variety of biomarkers with predictive significance for treatment responses and outcomes in HCC patients receiving various ICI-based mono- and combination therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long-Bin Jeng
- Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Cell Therapy Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - John Wang
- Department of Pathology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chiao-Fang Teng
- Organ Transplantation Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Program for Cancer Biology and Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
- Research Center for Cancer Biology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Zhang XS, Zhou HC, Wei P, Chen L, Ma WH, Ding L, Liang SC, Chen BD. Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains hepatocellular carcinoma development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:2138-2149. [PMID: 38173440 PMCID: PMC10758641 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i12.2138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) are beneficial to the resumption of anti-tumor immunity response and hold extreme potential as efficient therapies for certain malignancies. However, ICIs with a single target exhibit poor overall response rate in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients due to the complex pathological mechanisms of HCC. AIM To investigate the effects of combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade on tumor development in an HCC mouse model, aiming to identify more effective immunotherapies and provide more treatment options for HCC patients. METHODS The levels of PD-1 and TIM-3 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from tumor tissues, ascites, and matched adjacent tissues from HCC patients were determined with flow cytometry. An HCC xenograft mouse model was established and treated with anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) and/or anti-PD-1 mAb. Tumor growth in each group was measured. Hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining were used to evaluate T cell infiltration in tumors. The percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in tissue samples from mice was tested with flow cytometry. The percentages of PD-1+CD8+, TIM-3+CD8+, and PD-1+TIM-3+ CD8+ T cells was accessed by flow cytometry. The levels of the cytokines including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-10 in tumor tissues were gauged with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. RESULTS We confirmed that PD-1 and TIM-3 expression was substantially upregulated in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells isolated from tumor tissues and ascites of HCC patients. TIM-3 mAb and PD-1 mAb treatment both reduced tumor volume and weight, while combined blockade had more substantial anti-tumor effects than individual treatment. Then we showed that combined therapy increased T cell infiltration into tumor tissues, and downregulated PD-1 and TIM-3 expression on CD8+ T cells in tumor tissues. Moreover, combined treatment facilitated the production of T cell effector cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ, and reduced the production of immunosuppressive cytokines IL-10 and IL-6 in tumor tissues. Thus, we implicated that combined blockade could ameliorate T cell exhaustion in HCC mouse model. CONCLUSION Combined TIM-3 and PD-1 blockade restrains HCC development by facilitating CD4+ and CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Sheng Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Hong-Cai Zhou
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Peng Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Long Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Wei-Hu Ma
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lin Ding
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shi-Cai Liang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ben-Dong Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgical, Ningxia Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Surgical Diseases Clinical Research Center, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jin J, Liang X, Bi W, Liu R, Zhang S, He Y, Xie Q, Liu S, Xiao JC, Zhang P. Identification of a Difluorinated Alkoxy Sulfonyl Chloride as a Novel Antitumor Agent for Hepatocellular Carcinoma through Activating Fumarate Hydratase Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1705. [PMID: 38139831 PMCID: PMC10748328 DOI: 10.3390/ph16121705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fenofibrate is known as a lipid-lowering drug. Although previous studies have reported that fenofibrate exhibits potential antitumor activities, IC50 values of fenofibrate could be as high as 200 μM. Therefore, we investigated the antitumor activities of six synthesized fenofibrate derivatives. We discovered that one compound, SIOC-XJC-SF02, showed significant antiproliferative activity on human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HCCLM3 cells and HepG2 cells (the IC50 values were 4.011 μM and 10.908 μM, respectively). We also found this compound could inhibit the migration of human HCC cells. Transmission electron microscope and flow cytometry assays demonstrated that this compound could induce apoptosis of human HCC cells. The potential binding sites of this compound acting on human HCC cells were identified by mass spectrometry-cellular thermal shift assay (MS-CETSA). Molecular docking, Western blot, and enzyme activity assay-validated binding sites in human HCC cells. The results showed that fumarate hydratase may be a potential binding site of this compound, exerting antitumor effects. A xenograft model in nude mice demonstrated the anti-liver cancer activity and the mechanism of action of this compound. These findings indicated that the antitumor effect of this compound may act via activating fumarate hydratase, and this compound may be a promising antitumor candidate for further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Xujun Liang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Wu Bi
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ruijie Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Yi He
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Qingming Xie
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Shilei Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Ji-Chang Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Organofluorine Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Organic Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; (J.J.); (W.B.); (R.L.); (Q.X.); (S.L.)
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Zhao J, Luo Z, Fu R, Zhou J, Chen S, Wang J, Chen D, Xie X. Disulfidptosis-related signatures for prognostic and immunotherapy reactivity evaluation in hepatocellular carcinoma. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:571. [PMID: 38057871 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01535-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common cancers in the world and a nonnegligible health concern on a worldwide scale. Disulfidptosis is a novel mode of cell death, which is mainly caused by the collapse of the actin skeleton. Although many studies have demonstrated that various types of cell death are associated with cancer treatment, the relationship between disulfidptosis and HCC has not been elucidated. METHODS Here, we mainly applied bioinformatics methods to construct a disulfidptosis related risk model in HCC patients. Specifically, transcriptome data and clinical information were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. A total of 45 co-expressed genes were extracted between the disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) and the differential expression genes (DEGs) of liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) in the TCGA database. The LIHC cohort was divided into two subgroups with different prognosis by k-mean consensus clustering and functional enrichment analysis was performed. Subsequently, three hub genes (CDCA8, SPP2 and RDH16) were screened by Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis. In addition, a risk signature was constructed and the HCC cohort was divided into high risk score and low risk score subgroups to compare the prognosis, clinical features and immune landscape between the two subgroups. Finally, the prognostic model of independent risk factors was constructed and verified. CONCLUSIONS High DRGs-related risk score in HCC individuals predict poor prognosis and are associated with poor immunotherapy response, which indicates that risk score assessment model can be utilized to guide clinical treatment strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiajing Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Zeminshan Luo
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Ruizhi Fu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Jinghong Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Shubiao Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Jianjie Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Dewang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China
| | - Xiaojun Xie
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, China.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Wu D, Li Y. Application of adoptive cell therapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. Immunology 2023; 170:453-469. [PMID: 37435926 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a global health challenge. Novel treatment modalities are urgently needed to extend the overall survival of patients. The liver plays an immunomodulatory function due to its unique physiological structural characteristics. Therefore, following surgical resection and radiotherapy, immunotherapy regimens have shown great potential in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Adoptive cell immunotherapy is rapidly developing in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we summarize the latest research on adoptive immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. The focus is on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells and T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells. Then tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), natural killer (NK) cells, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, and macrophages are briefly discussed. The main overview of the application and challenges of adoptive immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma. It aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the current status of HCC adoptive immunotherapy and offers some strategies. We hope to provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dengqiang Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Ningbo No. 6 Hospital, Ningbo, China
| | - Yujie Li
- Clinical Laboratory of Ningbo Medical Centre Lihuili Hospital, Ningbo University, Zhejiang, Ningbo, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chehelgerdi M, Behdarvand Dehkordi F, Chehelgerdi M, Kabiri H, Salehian-Dehkordi H, Abdolvand M, Salmanizadeh S, Rashidi M, Niazmand A, Ahmadi S, Feizbakhshan S, Kabiri S, Vatandoost N, Ranjbarnejad T. Exploring the promising potential of induced pluripotent stem cells in cancer research and therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:189. [PMID: 38017433 PMCID: PMC10683363 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01873-0] [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: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of iPSCs has brought about a significant transformation in stem cell research, opening up promising avenues for advancing cancer treatment. The formation of cancer is a multifaceted process influenced by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. iPSCs offer a distinctive platform for investigating the origin of cancer, paving the way for novel approaches to cancer treatment, drug testing, and tailored medical interventions. This review article will provide an overview of the science behind iPSCs, the current limitations and challenges in iPSC-based cancer therapy, the ethical and social implications, and the comparative analysis with other stem cell types for cancer treatment. The article will also discuss the applications of iPSCs in tumorigenesis, the future of iPSCs in tumorigenesis research, and highlight successful case studies utilizing iPSCs in tumorigenesis research. The conclusion will summarize the advancements made in iPSC-based tumorigenesis research and the importance of continued investment in iPSC research to unlock the full potential of these cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matin Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Behdarvand Dehkordi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Chehelgerdi
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran.
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Abdolvand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sharareh Salmanizadeh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science and Technology, University of Isfahan, Hezar-Jereeb Street, Isfahan, 81746-73441, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Anoosha Niazmand
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saba Ahmadi
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Tbilisi State Medical University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Sara Feizbakhshan
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Saber Kabiri
- Novin Genome (NG) Lab, Research and Development Center for Biotechnology, Shahrekord, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Shahrekord Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nasimeh Vatandoost
- Pediatric Inherited Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Tayebeh Ranjbarnejad
- Department of Genetics and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Science, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Lin JC, Liu TP, Chen YB, Yang PM. PF-429242 exhibits anticancer activity in hepatocellular carcinoma cells via FOXO1-dependent autophagic cell death and IGFBP1-dependent anti-survival signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2023; 13:4125-4144. [PMID: 37818050 PMCID: PMC10560959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Effective therapies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are urgently needed, as it is a type of cancer resistant to chemotherapy. Recent evidence showed that PF-429242, a membrane-bound transcription factor site-1 protease (MBTPS1) inhibitor, exhibited anticancer activities against glioblastomas, renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. However, its anticancer activity against HCC has yet to be investigated. In this study, we found that PF-429242 induced autophagy-dependent cell death in HCC cells. RNA-sequencing analysis indicated that the primary effect of PF-429242 was inhibition of the sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) signaling pathway. However, overexpression of SREBP proteins did not efficiently rescue PF-429242-induced autophagy and cell death. Mechanistically, PF-429242 induced forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1)-dependent autophagic cell death. Additionally, PF-429242 caused FOXO1-independent upregulation of insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 1 (IGFBP1), ultimately leading to autophagy-independent cell death. The in vivo anticancer activity of PF-429242 against HCC cells was demonstrated in a tumor xenograft mouse model. Therefore, PF-429242 is a potential anticancer agent to treat HCC by triggering FOXO1-dependent autophagic cell death and IGFBP1-mediated anti-survival signaling in parallel.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiunn-Chang Lin
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial HospitalTaipei 10449, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and ManagementNew Taipei 11260, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical CollegeNew Taipei 25245, Taiwan
- Liver Medical Center, MacKay Memorial HospitalTaipei 10449, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia SinicaTaipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tsang-Pai Liu
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial HospitalTaipei 10449, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and ManagementNew Taipei 11260, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, MacKay Medical CollegeNew Taipei 25245, Taiwan
- Liver Medical Center, MacKay Memorial HospitalTaipei 10449, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia SinicaTaipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Bin Chen
- Department of Surgery, MacKay Memorial HospitalTaipei 10449, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ming Yang
- Liver Medical Center, MacKay Memorial HospitalTaipei 10449, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia SinicaTaipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational MedicineTaipei 11031, Taiwan
- Cancer Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 11696, Taiwan
- TMU and Affiliated Hospitals Pancreatic Cancer Groups, Taipei Medical UniversityTaipei 11031, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yu J, Li M, Ren B, Cheng L, Wang X, Ma Z, Yong WP, Chen X, Wang L, Goh BC. Unleashing the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: factors, strategies, and ongoing trials. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1261575. [PMID: 37719852 PMCID: PMC10501787 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1261575] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent primary liver cancer, representing approximately 85% of cases. The diagnosis is often made in the middle and late stages, necessitating systemic treatment as the primary therapeutic option. Despite sorafenib being the established standard of care for advanced HCC in the past decade, the efficacy of systemic therapy remains unsatisfactory, highlighting the need for novel treatment modalities. Recent breakthroughs in immunotherapy have shown promise in HCC treatment, particularly with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, the response rate to ICIs is currently limited to approximately 15%-20% of HCC patients. Recently, ICIs demonstrated greater efficacy in "hot" tumors, highlighting the urgency to devise more effective approaches to transform "cold" tumors into "hot" tumors, thereby enhancing the therapeutic potential of ICIs. This review presented an updated summary of the factors influencing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in HCC treatment, identified potential combination therapies that may improve patient response rates to ICIs, and offered an overview of ongoing clinical trials focusing on ICI-based combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiahui Yu
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Mengnan Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Boxu Ren
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Le Cheng
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Zhaowu Ma
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Wei Peng Yong
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaoguang Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Health Science Center, Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Lingzhi Wang
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Cher Goh
- Department of Haematology–Oncology, National University Cancer Institute, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zhou J, Yang D. Prognostic Significance of Hemoglobin, Albumin, Lymphocyte and Platelet (HALP) Score in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:821-831. [PMID: 37288141 PMCID: PMC10243610 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s411521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose HALP score consisting of hemoglobin content, albumin content, lymphocyte count, and platelet count can comprehensively evaluate the inflammatory response and nutritional status. Many researchers have indicated that the HALP score is an effective predictor of the overall prognosis of various tumors. However, there is no relevant research to suggest whether the HALP score can predict the prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients and Methods We retrospectively analyzed 273 HCC patients who underwent surgical resection. Hemoglobin content, albumin content, lymphocyte count, and platelet count in peripheral blood were measured for each patient. The relationship between the HALP score and overall survival (OS) was investigated. Results With a mean of 56.69 ± 1.25 months follow-up, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS was 98.9%, 76.9%, and 55.3% for all patients, respectively. HALP scores (HR=1.708, 95% CI=1.192-2.448, P=0.004) were significant independent risk factors of OS. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS were 99.3%, 84.3%, and 63.4% for patients with high HALP scores; and 98.6%, 69.8%, and 47.5% for patients with low HALP scores, respectively (P=0.018). In TNM I-II stage patients, compared with high HALP scores, low HALP scores have worse OS (P=0.039). In AFP positive patients, compared with high HALP scores, low HALP scores have worse OS (P=0.042). Conclusion Our research showed the preoperative HALP score is an independent predictive factor of overall prognosis, and a low HALP score indicates a worse prognosis in HCC patients who underwent surgical resection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Daofeng Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Su Y, Xue C, Gu X, Wang W, Sun Y, Zhang R, Li L. Identification of a novel signature based on macrophage-related marker genes to predict prognosis and immunotherapeutic effects in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1176572. [PMID: 37305578 PMCID: PMC10248258 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1176572] [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: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Tumor-related macrophages (TAMs) have emerged as an essential part of the immune regulatory network in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Constructing a TAM-related signature is significant for evaluating prognosis and immunotherapeutic response of HCC patients. Methods Informative single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, and diverse cell subpopulations were identified by clustering dimension reduction. Moreover, we determined molecular subtypes with the best clustering efficacy by calculating the cumulative distribution function (CDF). The ESTIMATE method, CIBERSORT (cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts) algorithm and publicly available tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) tools were used to characterize the immune landscape and tumor immune escape status. A TAM-related gene risk model was constructed through Cox regression and verified in multiple datasets and dimensions. We also performed functional enrichment analysis to detect potential signaling pathways related to TAM marker genes. Results In total, 10 subpopulations and 165 TAM-related marker genes were obtained from the scRNA-seq dataset (GSE149614). After clustering 3 molecular subtypes based on TAM-related marker genes, we found significantly different prognostic survival and immune signatures among the three subtypes. Subsequently, a 9-gene predictive signature (TPP1, FTL, CXCL8, CD68, ATP6V1F, CSTB, YBX1, LGALS3, and APLP2) was identified as an independent prognostic factor for HCC patients. Those patients with high RiskScore had a lower survival rate and benefited less from immunotherapy than those with low RiskScore. Moreover, more samples of the Cluster C subtype were enriched in the high-risk group, with higher tumor immune escape incidence. Conclusions We constructed a TAM-related signature with excellent efficacy for predicting prognostic survival and immunotherapeutic responses in HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanshuai Su
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Xue
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xinyu Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wankun Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Sun
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Renfang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lanjuan Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Villarruel-Melquiades F, Mendoza-Garrido ME, García-Cuellar CM, Sánchez-Pérez Y, Pérez-Carreón JI, Camacho J. Current and novel approaches in the pharmacological treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2571-2599. [PMID: 37213397 PMCID: PMC10198058 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i17.2571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal malignant tumours worldwide. The mortality-to-incidence ratio is up to 91.6% in many countries, representing the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Systemic drugs, including the multikinase inhibitors sorafenib and lenvatinib, are first-line drugs used in HCC treatment. Unfortunately, these therapies are ineffective in most cases due to late diagnosis and the development of tumour resistance. Thus, novel pharmacological alternatives are urgently needed. For instance, immune checkpoint inhibitors have provided new approaches targeting cells of the immune system. Furthermore, monoclonal antibodies against programmed cell death-1 have shown benefits in HCC patients. In addition, drug combinations, including first-line treatment and immunotherapy, as well as drug repurposing, are promising novel therapeutic alternatives. Here, we review the current and novel pharmacological approaches to fight HCC. Preclinical studies, as well as approved and ongoing clinical trials for liver cancer treatment, are discussed. The pharmacological opportunities analysed here should lead to significant improvement in HCC therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Villarruel-Melquiades
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - María Eugenia Mendoza-Garrido
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| | - Claudia M García-Cuellar
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Yesennia Sánchez-Pérez
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Julio Isael Pérez-Carreón
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Javier Camacho
- Departamento de Farmacología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional (CINVESTAV-IPN), Mexico City 07360, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Feng Y, Zhang H, Ren Q, Li C, Liu S, Zheng C, Xia X. Contrast-enhanced CT parameters predict short-term tumor response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma who received sequential combined anti-angiogenesis and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment. Eur J Radiol 2023; 162:110784. [PMID: 36958125 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejrad.2023.110784] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate whether relative Hounsfield unit attenuation index (rHUAI) on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT) can predict tumor response in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received sequential combined treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) and anti-angiogenesis therapy. METHOD One hundred seventeen advanced HCC patients who underwent the sequential combined treatment in a tertiary hospital between March 2020 and December 2021 were allocated to prediction and validation cohorts (with a ratio of 2:1) based on the time of initial ICI treatment. rHUAI from the arterial to the portal-venous phase (rHU_ap) and from the portal-venous to the delayed phase (rHU_pd) was calculated. The optimal cut-off values (COVs) of rHU_ap and rHU_pd for predicting tumor response were identified using Youden's index. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to assess the relationship between the COVs and tumor response. The validity of COVs was verified in the validation cohort using the chi-square test and Cramer's V coefficient (V). RESULTS The optimal COVs of the two observers were 0.5316 and 0.3265 for rHU_ap, and -0.0208 and -0.0048 for rHU_pd, respectively. Multivariable analysis suggested that the COVs were independently associated with tumor response in the prediction cohort (rHU_ap, Odds ratio: 7.727 and 7.808, 95 % CI: 2.516-23.728 and 2.399-25.410, p value < 0.001 and 0.001; rHU_pd, Odds ratio: 0.034 and 0.011, 95 % CI: 0.002-0.600 and 0.001-0.209, p value of 0.021 and 0.003). In the validation cohort, the optimal COVs of rHU_ap had a moderate to a strong association with tumor response (V = 0.362-0.545, p < 0.05). The association between COVs of rHU_pd and tumor response was slight to strong (V = 0.24-0.545, p = 0.001 to 0.134). CONCLUSION rHUAI obtained from CECT has the potential as a non-invasive tool for predicting tumor response in advanced HCC patients who have received combined ICI and anti-angiogenesis treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Feng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wuhan Hankou Hospital, 172 Zhaojiatiao Road, Wuhan City, Hubei Province 430011, China
| | - Qianqian Ren
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Changde Li
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Chuansheng Zheng
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiangwen Xia
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China; Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan 430022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Gao YJ, Li SR, Huang Y. An inflammation-related gene landscape predicts prognosis and response to immunotherapy in virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1118152. [PMID: 36969014 PMCID: PMC10033597 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1118152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundDue to the viral infection, chronic inflammation significantly increases the likelihood of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Nevertheless, an inflammation-based signature aimed to predict the prognosis and therapeutic effect in virus-related HCC has rarely been established.MethodBased on the integrated analysis, inflammation-associated genes (IRGs) were systematically assessed. We comprehensively investigated the correlation between inflammation and transcriptional profiles, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration. Then, an inflammation-related risk model (IRM) to predict the overall survival (OS) and response to treatment for virus-related HCC patients was constructed and verified. Also, the potential association between IRGs and tumor microenvironment (TME) was investigated. Ultimately, hub genes were validated in plasma samples and cell lines via qRT-PCR. After transfection with shCCL20 combined with overSLC7A2, morphological change of SMMC7721 and huh7 cells was observed. Tumorigenicity model in nude mouse was established.ResultsAn inflammatory response-related gene signature model, containing MEP1A, CCL20, ADORA2B, TNFSF9, ICAM4, and SLC7A2, was constructed by conjoint analysis of least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) Cox regression and gaussian finite mixture model (GMM). Besides, survival analysis attested that higher IRG scores were positively relevant to worse survival outcomes in virus-related HCC patients, which was testified by external validation cohorts (the ICGC cohort and GSE84337 dataset). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses commonly proved that the IRG was an independent prognostic factor for virus-related HCC patients. Thus, a nomogram with clinical factors and IRG was also constructed to superiorly predict the prognosis of patients. Featured with microsatellite instability-high, mutation burden, and immune activation, lower IRG score verified a superior OS for sufferers. Additionally, IRG score was remarkedly correlated with the cancer stem cell index and drug susceptibility. The measurement of plasma samples further validated that CCL20 upexpression and SLC7A2 downexpression were positively related with virus-related HCC patients, which was in accord with the results in cell lines. Furthermore, CCL20 knockdown combined with SLC7A2 overexpression availably weakened the tumor growth in vivo.ConclusionsCollectively, IRG score, serving as a potential candidate, accurately and stably predicted the prognosis and response to immunotherapy in virus-related HCC patients, which could guide individualized treatment decision-making for the sufferers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-jie Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shi-rong Li
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuan Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Bioscience and Technology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yuan Huang,
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Molnar A, Monroe H, Basri Aydin H, Arslan ME, Lightle A, Lee H, El Jabbour T. Tumors of the Digestive System: Comprehensive Review of Ancillary Testing and Biomarkers in the Era of Precision Medicine. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:2388-2404. [PMID: 36826143 PMCID: PMC9954843 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30020182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has remained at the vanguard of promising cancer therapeutic regimens due to its exceptionally high specificity for tumor cells and potential for significantly improved treatment-associated quality of life compared to other therapeutic approaches such as surgery and chemoradiation. This is especially true in the digestive system, where high rates of mutation give rise to a host of targetable tumor-specific antigens. Many patients, however, do not exhibit measurable improvements under immunotherapy due to intrinsic or acquired resistance, making predictive biomarkers necessary to determine which patients will benefit from this line of treatment. Many of these biomarkers are assessed empirically by pathologists according to nuanced scoring criteria and algorithms. This review serves to inform clinicians and pathologists of extant and promising upcoming biomarkers predictive of immunotherapeutic efficacy among digestive system malignancies and the ancillary testing required for interpretation by pathologists according to tumor site of origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Attila Molnar
- Department of Pathology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10025, USA
| | - Hunter Monroe
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Hasan Basri Aydin
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Mustafa Erdem Arslan
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Andrea Lightle
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Hwajeong Lee
- Department of Pathology, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY 12208, USA
| | - Tony El Jabbour
- Department of Pathology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Wei Y, Yang M, Xu L, Liu M, Zhang F, Xie T, Cheng X, Wang X, Che F, Li Q, Xu Q, Huang Z, Liu M. Novel Computed-Tomography-Based Transformer Models for the Noninvasive Prediction of PD-1 in Pre-Operative Settings. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030658. [PMID: 36765615 PMCID: PMC9913645 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030658] [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: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression status of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with the checkpoint blockade treatment responses of PD-1/PD-L1. Thus, accurately and preoperatively identifying the status of PD-1 has great clinical implications for constructing personalized treatment strategies. To investigate the preoperative predictive value of the transformer-based model for identifying the status of PD-1 expression, 93 HCC patients with 75 training cohorts (2859 images) and 18 testing cohorts (670 images) were included. We propose a transformer-based network architecture, ResTransNet, that efficiently employs convolutional neural networks (CNNs) and self-attention mechanisms to automatically acquire a persuasive feature to obtain a prediction score using a nonlinear classifier. The area under the curve, receiver operating characteristic curve, and decision curves were applied to evaluate the prediction model's performance. Then, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were applied to evaluate the overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in PD-1-positive and PD-1-negative patients. The proposed transformer-based model obtained an accuracy of 88.2% with a sensitivity of 88.5%, a specificity of 88.9%, and an area under the curve of 91.1% in the testing cohort.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Wei
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Meiyi Yang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Lifeng Xu
- Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Minghui Liu
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Tianshu Xie
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610000, China
- Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Quzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Xuan Cheng
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Feng Che
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Qing Xu
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
| | - Zixing Huang
- Department of Radiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China
- Correspondence: (Z.H.); (M.L.)
| | - Ming Liu
- Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People’s Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
- Correspondence: (Z.H.); (M.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Liu K, Zhu Y, Zhu H. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy as the first-line strategies for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma: A network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1103055. [PMID: 36713376 PMCID: PMC9874298 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1103055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The existence of many phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) puzzle doctors and patients in choosing the most effective treatment strategies. We aimed to assess the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of immunotherapy or targeted therapy as the first-line strategy for unresectable HCC. Methods The included clinical trials were retrieved from PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane library, and Web of Science databases, in which immunotherapy or targeted therapy was regarded as the first-line treatment for unresectable HCC, published in English between January 1, 2010, and September 20, 2022. We conducted a network meta-analysis (NMA) and cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) from the Chinese payer's perspective. Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), the ranks of different treatments using P-score, and adverse events (AEs) were evaluated by NMA. Total costs, life-years (LYs), quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs), and incremental cost-benefit ratio (ICER) were estimated from 15-year Markov models developed by CEA. Results We identified 2,825 records, including 11,796 patients, from 15 RCTs. The NMA revealed that sintilimab plus a bevacizumab biosimilar (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.43 to 0.75; P = 0.96) and camrelizumab plus rivoceranib (HR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.41 to 0.66; P = 0.94) could lead to great improvements in OS and PFS compared with sorafenib-related survival. The CEA indicated that tislelizumab increased by 0.220 QALYs (0.312 LYs) and decreased by $1,938 compared with sorafenib, which yielded ICERs of -$8,809/QALY (-$2,612/LY). Sensitivity analysis showed that the model was stable. Conclusion Sintilimab plus a bevacizumab biosimilar and camrelizumab plus rivoceranib significantly prolonged OS and PFS, respectively. Further considering the pharmacoeconomics factors, tislelizumab is the most cost-effective first-line treatment strategy for unresectable HCC in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Youwen Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China,*Correspondence: Hong Zhu,
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
State of the art and perspectives in pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 207:115373. [PMID: 36513143 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2022.115373] [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: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Hepatoblastoma (HB) and pediatric hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are rare primary malignant liver cancers in children and young adults. HB is the most common and accounts for about 70 % cases; it is usually diagnosed during the first 3 years of life. Instead, pediatric HCC is uncommon, and it is associated with a poor prognosis. Overall, the prognosis of pediatric HCC is dismal with 5-year event-free survival of <30 % as compared to >80 % for HB. Surgery approaches, either resection or transplant, remain the best chance for the cure of pediatric HCC. However, chemotherapy can be helpful as an adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment. International groups have done trials in pediatric HCC with a chemotherapy regimen, based on cisplatin and doxorubicin (PLADO) as for HB, but the efficacy is limited. Sorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, following positive results in adults and in a pilot study in children, is now tested in conjunction with chemotherapy in the PHITT phase III clinical trial. Some studies have been exploring the genetic profiles of patients to find biological hallmarks that determine the aggressiveness of pediatric HCC. Pathways involved in growth and differentiation are dysregulated and as demonstrated in HB and adult HCC, an important role of the Wnt/CTNNB1 pathway in the pathogenesis of pediatric HCC is also emerging. An extended molecular analysis of tumor samples could give information about pathways as possible targets of biological and immunotherapeutic agents bringing new pharmacological options for the treatment of pediatric HCC.
Collapse
|
35
|
Xiu Z, Li Y, Fang J, Han J, Li S, Li Y, Yang X, Song G, Li Y, Jin N, Zhu Y, Zhu G, Sun L, Li X. Inhibitory Effects of Esculetin on Liver Cancer Through Triggering NCOA4 Pathway-Mediation Ferritinophagy in vivo and in vitro. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2023; 10:611-629. [PMID: 37069958 PMCID: PMC10105581 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s395617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To explore the effects of Esculetin on liver cancer and explore potential mechanisms of Esculetin-inducing cells death. Methods Esculetin's effects on the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of HUH7 and HCCLM3 cells were detected by using CCK8, crystal violet staining, wound healing, TranswellTM and Annexin V-FITC/PI. Flow cytometry, fluorescence staining, Western blot, T-AOC, DPPH radical scavenging assay, hydroxyl radical's inhibitory capability and GSH test were used to examine the esculetin's effects on the ROS level, the oxidation-related substances and proteins' expression in hepatoma cells. In vivo experiment was performed by xenograft model. Ferrostatin-1 was used to determine the death way of hepatoma cells induced by esculetin. Live cell probe, Western blot, Fe2+ content, MDA, HE staining, Prussian blue staining and immunohistochemistry were used to examine the ferritinophagy-related phenomenon induced by esculetin in hepatoma cells. The relationship between esculetin and NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy was confirmed through gene silence and overexpression, immunofluorescence staining and Western blot. Results Esculetin suppressed the proliferation, migration and apoptosis of HUH7 and HCCLM3 cells significantly, influenced the oxidative stress level, altered the autophagy and iron metabolism levels in cells, and produced a ferritinophagy-related phenomena. Esculetin increased the levels of cellular lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species. In vivo, esculetin could decrease tumour volume, promote LC3 and NCOA4 expressions, suppresse hydroxyl radical's inhibiting capacity and GSH, increase Fe2+ and MDA levels, decrease antioxidant proteins expression in tumour tissue. In addition, Esculetin could also increase the iron deposition of tumour tissues, promote ferritinophagy, and induce tumours' ferroptosis. Conclusion Esculetin has an inhibitory effect on liver cancer in vivo and in vitro through triggering NCOA4 pathway-mediation ferritinophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiru Xiu
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yiquan Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinbo Fang
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jicheng Han
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanzhi Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yaru Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
- Medical College, Yanbian University, Yanji, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xia Yang
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Gaojie Song
- Medical College, Jiujiang· University, Jiujiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yue Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ningyi Jin
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yilong Zhu
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guangze Zhu
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lili Sun
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Tumor Hospital of Jilin Province, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Lili Sun; Xiao Li, Boshuo Road, 1035, Jingyue Economic & Technological Development Zone, Changchun, Jilin, 130122, People’s Republic of China, Tel +86-431-86985923, Fax +86-431-87985861, Email ;
| | - Xiao Li
- Academician Workstation of Jilin Province, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
- Changchun Veterinary Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changchun, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Therapeutic Algorithm for Localized and Advanced Disease. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2022; 2022:3817724. [PMID: 36624801 PMCID: PMC9825221 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3817724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer in patients with liver cirrhosis of various etiologies. In recent years, there has been an advance in the knowledge of molecular mechanisms and a better staging definition of patients which has allowed the development of new therapies that have entered the therapeutic workup of these patients. Deep information on molecular drivers of HCC contributed to the development of targeted therapies with remarkable benefits. The novel strategies of targeting immune evasion using immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T and TCR-T therapeutics have also shown promising results. For advanced diseases, the therapeutic algorithm has been recently updated, thanks to the efficacy of combining immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy in the first-line setting, and new drugs, both as single-agents or combinations, are currently under investigation.
Collapse
|
37
|
Huang CY, Lai ZY, Hsu TJ, Chou FI, Liu HM, Chuang YJ. Boron Neutron Capture Therapy Eliminates Radioresistant Liver Cancer Cells by Targeting DNA Damage and Repair Responses. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1385-1401. [PMID: 36600987 PMCID: PMC9807134 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s383959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction For advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), resistance to conservative treatments remains a challenge. In previous studies, the therapeutic effectiveness and DNA damage responses of boric acid-mediated boron neutron capture therapy (BA-BNCT) in HCC have been demonstrated in animal models and HCC cell line. On the other hand, numerous studies have shown that high linear energy transfer (LET) radiation can overcome tumor resistance. Since BNCT yields a mixture of high and low LET radiation, we aimed to explore whether and how BA-BNCT could eliminate radioresistant HCC cells. Methods Radioresistant human HCC (HepG2-R) cells were established from HepG2 cells via intermittent irradiation. HepG2 and HepG2-R cells were then irradiated with either γ-ray or neutron radiation of BA-BNCT. Colony formation assays were used to assess cell survival and the relative biological effectiveness (RBE). The expression of phosphorylated H2AX (γH2AX) was also examined by immunocytochemistry and Western blot assays to evaluate the extent of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Finally, the expression levels of DNA damage response-associated proteins were determined, followed by cell cycle analysis and caspase-3 activity analysis. Results Our data demonstrated that under the same dose by γ-ray, BNCT effectively eliminated radioresistant HCC by increasing the number of DNA DSBs (p < 0.05) and impeding their repair (p < 0.05), which verified the high RBE of BNCT. We also found that BNCT resulted in delayed homologous recombination (HR) and inhibited the nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ) pathway during DNA repair. Markedly, BNCT increased cell arrest (p < 0.05) in the G2/M phase by altering G2 checkpoint signaling and increased PUMA-mediated apoptosis (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our data suggest that DNA damage and repair responses could affect the anticancer efficiency of BNCT in radioresistant HepG2-R cells, which highlights the potential of BNCT as a viable treatment option for recurrent HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chu-Yu Huang
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Zih-Yin Lai
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Jung Hsu
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Fong-In Chou
- Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hong-Ming Liu
- Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Jen Chuang
- School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Nuclear Science and Technology Development Center, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan,Correspondence: Yung-Jen Chuang, School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 300044, Taiwan, Tel +886-3-5742764, Fax +886-3-5715934, Email
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
The basement membrane-related gene signature is associated with immunity and predicts survival accurately in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2022:10.1007/s00432-022-04549-2. [PMID: 36575345 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04549-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer. Expression defects and turnover of basement membrane (BM) proteins are key pathogenic factors in cancer. It is still uncertain how the expression of BM-related genes (BMGs) in HCC relates to prognosis. METHODS All of the HCC cohort's RNA-seq and clinical information came from TCGA datasets. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression algorithm was utilized to filter down the candidate genes and construct the prognostic model. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses were run to examine if the risk score may serve as a standalone prognostic indicator. The single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was utilized to analyze examine immune cell infiltration and pathway activity. RESULTS Five genes and their risk coefficients were eventually identified and patients with HCC were classified as either high or low risk based on the median of risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression analysis found a significant correlation between risk score and OS (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that BMGs signature had good prediction ability for HCC patients in age, gender, T stage, and AJCC stage (all p < 0.05). According to the ssGSEA, the high-risk subgroup showed higher levels of immune cell infiltration and immune-related pathways were more engaged in the high-risk group. CONCLUSIONS Our research systematically built a prognostic model using risk score based on BMGs signature in HCC patients. The immune feature analysis of the BMGs signature indicated a potential regulation between tumor immunity and BM in HCC.
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhang W, Zhang Y, Wan Y, Liu Q, Zhu X. A bile acid-related prognostic signature in hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:22355. [PMID: 36572736 PMCID: PMC9792463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26795-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the high mortality of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), its prognostic models are urgently needed. Bile acid (BA) metabolic disturbance participates in hepatocarcinogenesis. We aim to develop a BA-related gene signature for HCC patients. Research data of HCC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) online databases. After least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis, we developed a BA-related prognostic signature in TCGA cohort based on differentially expressed prognostic BA-related genes. Then, the predictive performance of the signature was evaluated and verified in TCGA and ICGC cohort respectively. We obtained the risk score of each HCC patient according to the model. The differences of immune status and drug sensitivity were compared in patients that were stratified based on risk score. The protein and mRNA levels of the modeling genes were validated in the Human Protein Atlas database and our cell lines, respectively. In TCGA cohort, we selected 4 BA-related genes to construct the first BA-related prognostic signature. The risk signature exhibited good discrimination and predictive ability, which was verified in ICGC cohort. Patients were classified into high- and low-risk groups according to their median scores. The occurrence of death increased with increasing risk score. Low-risk patients owned favorable overall survival. High-risk patients possessed high immune checkpoint expression and low IC50 values for sorafenib, cisplatin and doxorubicin. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical results validate expression of modeling genes in the signature. We constructed the first BA-related gene signature, which might help to identify HCC patients with poor prognosis and guide individualized treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wang Zhang
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yipeng Wan
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qi Liu
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Zhu
- grid.412604.50000 0004 1758 4073Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangxi Clinical Research Center for Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
[NDRG2 inhibits tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating metabolism of phospholipids and triglyceride: a metabonomic analysis]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:1765-1773. [PMID: 36651243 PMCID: PMC9878422 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.12.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the role of the tumor suppressor gene NDRG2 in regulating lipid metabolism in hepatoma cells. METHODS We analyzed the differential expression of NDRG2 gene between hepatocellular carcinoma tissues (n=809) and normal liver tissues (n=379) based on data from TNMplot database, and investigated the correlation between NDRG2 mRNA expression and the overall survival of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma using THPA database, which was also used for analysis of NDRG2 expression levels in tumor cell lines for screening hepatoma cell lines. Human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was infected with a lentivirus containing NDRG2 cDNA, and the expression level of NDRG2 in the infected cells was detected using qPCR and Western blotting. Lipid metabolomics analysis was performed to analyze the regulatory effect of NDRG2 overexpression on lipid metabolism in HepG2 cells, and ELISA and Oil Red O staining were used to examine the changes in contents of phospholipids and triglyceride in NDRG2-overexpressing HepG2 cells. RESULTS Analysis of the TNMplot database showed that NDRG2 expression level was significantly lower in hepatocellular carcinoma tissues than in normal liver tissues (P < 0.001). Analysis of THPA database showed that the patients with high NDRG2 mRNA levels had a longer survival time than those with low NDRG2 mRNA levels, and NDRG2 expression level was the highest in HepG2 cell line among the tumor cell lines. Metabolomics analysis showed that in HepG2 cells, NDRG2 overexpression led to changes in the contents of phospholipids, and among them lecithin PC, phosphatidyl glycerol PG, phosphatidyl ethanolamine PE, sphinophosphatidyl serine SM, and ceramide Cer exhibited significant changes. The results of ELISA and Oil Red O staining demonstrated that NDRG2 overexpression obviously reduced the contents of multiple phospholipids and significantly lowered the contents of triglyceride in HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION NDRG2 regulates tumorigenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma by modulating the metabolism of phospholipids and triglyceride.
Collapse
|
41
|
Ma J, Kuang L, Zhao R. Establishing a signature based on immunogenic cell death-related gene pairs to predict immunotherapy and survival outcomes of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2022; 14:9699-9714. [PMID: 36516498 PMCID: PMC9792212 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204419] [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: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunogenic cell death (ICD) is a type of regulated cell death (RCD) triggered by various stresses that are involved in activating the immune system against cancer in immunocompetent hosts. However, no previous study has investigated the regulation of ICD-related gene pairs involved in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A prognostic signature composed of 8 ICD-related gene pairs was generated that was capable of reliably separating patients with HCC into low- and high-risk subgroups with differing overall survival rates. Significant correlations were observed between risk score and surgical procedure, vascular tumor cell type, recurrence status, tumor status, and stages. The risk score was confirmed to be an independent prognostic factor for HCC and subsequently was employed to construct a prognostic nomogram. Low-risk patients were characterized by higher levels of immune cell infiltration, lower stromal and immune scores, higher tumor purity, higher expression of most immune checkpoints, and higher tumor mutational burden (TMB), revealing different levels of immunological functional pathways between different risk HCC patient cohorts. Furthermore, immunophenoscore (IPS) and Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) scores demonstrated that patients in the low-risk group are more likely to be sensitive to immunotherapy. In conclusion, the signature conducted by ICD-related gene pairs is a promising biomarker for the prediction of HCC patient outcomes and immunotherapeutic responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianying Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, Thyroid Surgery, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lianghong Kuang
- Department of Neurology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huangshi Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei Polytechnic University, Edong Healthcare Group, Huangshi, Hubei 435000, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Han HT, Jin WL, Li X. Mesenchymal stem cells-based therapy in liver diseases. MOLECULAR BIOMEDICINE 2022; 3:23. [PMID: 35895169 PMCID: PMC9326420 DOI: 10.1186/s43556-022-00088-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple immune cells and their products in the liver together form a complex and unique immune microenvironment, and preclinical models have demonstrated the importance of imbalances in the hepatic immune microenvironment in liver inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases. Various immunotherapies have been attempted to modulate the hepatic immune microenvironment for the purpose of treating liver diseases. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have a comprehensive and plastic immunomodulatory capacity. On the one hand, they have been tried for the treatment of inflammatory liver diseases because of their excellent immunosuppressive capacity; On the other hand, MSCs have immune-enhancing properties in immunocompromised settings and can be modified into cellular carriers for targeted transport of immune enhancers by genetic modification, physical and chemical loading, and thus they are also used in the treatment of immunocompromised liver diseases such as chronic viral infections and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this review, we discuss the immunological basis and recent strategies of MSCs for the treatment of the aforementioned liver diseases. Specifically, we update the immune microenvironment of the liver and summarize the distinct mechanisms of immune microenvironment imbalance in inflammatory diseases and immunocompromised liver diseases, and how MSCs can fully exploit their immunotherapeutic role in liver diseases with both immune imbalance patterns.
Collapse
|
43
|
Gong D, Li S, Yu Z, Wang K, Qiao X, Wu C. Contribution of PNPLA3 gene polymorphisms to hepatocellular carcinoma susceptibility in the Chinese Han population. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:248. [PMID: 36447249 PMCID: PMC9706882 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01394-7] [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: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of PNPLA3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs738409 C > G, rs3747207 G > A, rs4823173 G > A, and rs2896019 T > G) with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) susceptibility. METHODS This case-control study included 484 HCC patients and 487 controls. Logistic regression analysis was performed to study the associations of PNPLA3 gene polymorphisms with HCC susceptibility, and odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated to evaluate these correlations. RESULTS In the overall analysis, we found that the G allele (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.04-1.50, p = 0.018, false discovery rate (FDR)-p = 0.035) and GG genotype (OR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.06-2.39, p = 0.024, FDR-p = 0.048) of rs2896019 were significantly associated with increased HCC susceptibility. In stratified analysis, we found that all four SNPs were related to increased HCC susceptibility in subjects aged > 55 years. In haplotype analysis, the GAAG haplotype was significantly associated with increased HCC susceptibility (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.03-1.53, p = 0.023, FDR-p = 0.046). Besides, we noticed that rs738409 was significantly correlated with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (p = 0.007), and HCC patients with the GG genotype had a higher level of AFP. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggested that PNPLA3-rs2896019 was significantly associated with an increased susceptibility to HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongwei Gong
- grid.459560.b0000 0004 1764 5606Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, #19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou City, Hainan Province China
| | - Shizong Li
- grid.459560.b0000 0004 1764 5606Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, #19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou City, Hainan Province China
| | - Zhiwei Yu
- grid.459560.b0000 0004 1764 5606Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, #19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou City, Hainan Province China
| | - Kaiqiong Wang
- grid.459560.b0000 0004 1764 5606Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, #19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou City, Hainan Province China
| | - Xin Qiao
- grid.459560.b0000 0004 1764 5606Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, #19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou City, Hainan Province China
| | - Changxiong Wu
- grid.459560.b0000 0004 1764 5606Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, Hainan General Hospital, Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, #19, Xiuhua Road, Xiuying District, Haikou City, Hainan Province China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Ouranos K, Chatziioannou A, Goulis I, Sinakos E. Role of immunotherapy in downsizing hepatocellular carcinoma prior to liver transplantation. World J Transplant 2022; 12:331-346. [PMID: 36437845 PMCID: PMC9693898 DOI: 10.5500/wjt.v12.i11.331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver neoplasm that, according to tumor stage, can be treated with resection, transplantation, locoregional treatment options, or systemic therapy. Although interventions only in early-stage disease can offer complete tumor regression, systemic therapy in advanced disease can significantly prolong overall survival, according to published clinical trials. The emergence of immunotherapy in the field of cancer therapy has had a positive impact on patients with HCC, resulting in atezolizumab–bevacizumab currently being the first-line option for treatment of advanced HCC. In light of this, application of immunotherapy in the preoperative process could increase the number of patients fulfilling the criteria for liver transplantation (LT). Implementation of this approach is faced with challenges regarding the safety of immunotherapy and the possibly increased risk of rejection in the perioperative period. Case reports and clinical trials assessing the safety profile and effectiveness of neoadjuvant immunotherapy, highlight important aspects regarding this newly evolving approach to HCC management. More studies need to be conducted in order to reach a consensus regarding the optimal way to administer immunotherapy prior to LT. In this review, we summarize the role, safety profile and future considerations regarding the use of neoadjuvant immunotherapy prior to LT in patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Ouranos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Anthi Chatziioannou
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Ioannis Goulis
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| | - Emmanouil Sinakos
- 4th Medical Department, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki 54642, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Yang C, Zhang H, Zhang L, Zhu AX, Bernards R, Qin W, Wang C. Evolving therapeutic landscape of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 20:203-222. [PMID: 36369487 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00704-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 169] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common solid malignancies worldwide. A large proportion of patients with HCC are diagnosed at advanced stages and are only amenable to systemic therapies. We have witnessed the evolution of systemic therapies from single-agent targeted therapy (sorafenib and lenvatinib) to the combination of a checkpoint inhibitor plus targeted therapy (atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy). Despite remarkable advances, only a small subset of patients can obtain durable clinical benefit, and therefore substantial therapeutic challenges remain. In the past few years, emerging systemic therapies, including new molecular-targeted monotherapies (for example, donafenib), new immuno-oncology monotherapies (for example, durvalumab) and new combination therapies (for example, durvalumab plus tremelimumab), have shown encouraging results in clinical trials. In addition, many novel therapeutic approaches with the potential to offer improved treatment effects in patients with advanced HCC, such as sequential combination targeted therapy and next-generation adoptive cell therapy, have also been proposed and developed. In this Review, we summarize the latest clinical advances in the treatment of advanced HCC and discuss future perspectives that might inform the development of more effective therapeutics for advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hailin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Linmeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrew X Zhu
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA. .,Jiahui International Cancer Center, Jiahui Health, Shanghai, China.
| | - René Bernards
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China. .,Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Elevation of spermine remodels immunosuppressive microenvironment through driving the modification of PD-L1 in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:175. [DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00981-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Spermine is frequently elevated in tumor tissues and body fluids of cancer patients and is critical for cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. However, the immune functions of spermine in hepatocellular carcinoma progression remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate immunosuppressive role of spermine in hepatocellular carcinoma and to explore the underlying mechanism.
Methods
Whole-blood spermine concentration was measured using HPLC. Human primary HCC tissues were collected to examine the expression of CaSR, p-Akt, β-catenin, STT3A, PD-L1, and CD8. Mouse model of tumorigenesis and lung metastasis were established to evaluate the effects of spermine on hepatocellular carcinoma. Western blotting, immunofluorescence, real time PCR, digital Ca2+ imaging, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were used to investigate the underlying mechanisms by which spermine regulates PD-L1 expression and glycosylation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Results
Blood spermine concentration in the HCC patient group was significantly higher than that in the normal population group. Spermine could facilitate tumor progression through inducing PD-L1 expression and decreasing the CD8+ T cell infiltration in HCC. Mechanistically, spermine activates calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) to trigger Ca2+ entry and thereby promote Akt-dependent β-catenin stabilization and nuclear translocation. Nuclear β-catenin induced by spermine then activates transcriptional expression of PD-L1 and N-glycosyltransferase STT3A, while STT3A in turn increases the stability of PD-L1 through inducing PD-L1 protein N-glycosylation in HCC cells.
Conclusions
This study reveals the crucial function of spermine in establishing immune privilege by increasing the expression and N-glycosylation of PD-L1, providing a potential strategy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Collapse
|
47
|
Trans-Arterial Chemoembolization Plus Systemic Treatments for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: An Update. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12111788. [PMID: 36579504 PMCID: PMC9697413 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12111788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent years have seen the advent of novel treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Given a strong biological rationale supporting this strategy, multiple studies have explored the role of combination treatments including locoregional plus systemic therapies to produce a synergistic effect and enhance antitumor activity. Among locoregional therapies, several clinical trials assessing trans-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) have been recently presented and published. In the current paper, we discuss available evidence and current and future research on combined TACE and systemic treatments, including antiangiogenic agents, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and immune-based combinations for HCC patients.
Collapse
|
48
|
Kazemi MH, Sadri M, Najafi A, Rahimi A, Baghernejadan Z, Khorramdelazad H, Falak R. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes for treatment of solid tumors: It takes two to tango? Front Immunol 2022; 13:1018962. [PMID: 36389779 PMCID: PMC9651159 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1018962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), frontline soldiers of the adaptive immune system, are recruited into the tumor site to fight against tumors. However, their small number and reduced activity limit their ability to overcome the tumor. Enhancement of TILs number and activity against tumors has been of interest for a long time. A lack of knowledge about the tumor microenvironment (TME) has limited success in primary TIL therapies. Although the advent of engineered T cells has revolutionized the immunotherapy methods of hematologic cancers, the heterogeneity of solid tumors warrants the application of TILs with a wide range of specificity. Recent advances in understanding TME, immune exhaustion, and immune checkpoints have paved the way for TIL therapy regimens. Nowadays, TIL therapy has regained attention as a safe personalized immunotherapy, and currently, several clinical trials are evaluating the efficacy of TIL therapy in patients who have failed conventional immunotherapies. Gaining favorable outcomes following TIL therapy of patients with metastatic melanoma, cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer has raised hope in patients with refractory solid tumors, too. Nevertheless, TIL therapy procedures face several challenges, such as high cost, timely expansion, and technical challenges in selecting and activating the cells. Herein, we reviewed the recent advances in the TIL therapy of solid tumors and discussed the challenges and perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Sadri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Najafi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Rahimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Baghernejadan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Falak
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Shen Q, He Y, Qian J, Wang X. Identifying tumor immunity-associated molecular features in liver hepatocellular carcinoma by multi-omics analysis. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:960457. [PMID: 36339710 PMCID: PMC9632276 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.960457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Although current immunotherapies have achieved some successes for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients, their benefits are limited for most HCC patients. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers for promoting immunotherapeutic responses in HCC is urgently needed. Methods: Using the TCGA HCC cohort, we investigated correlations of various molecular features with antitumor immune signatures (CD8+ T cell infiltration and cytolytic activity) and an immunosuppressive signature (PD-L1 expression) in HCC. These molecular features included mRNAs, microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), proteins, and pathways. Results: We found that the mutations of several oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes significantly correlated with reduced antitumor immune signatures, including TTN, CTNNB1, RB1, ZFHX4, and TP53. It indicates that these genes’ mutations may inhibit antitumor immune responses in HCC. Four proteins (Syk, Lck, STAT5, and Caspase-7) had significant positive expression correlations with CD8+ T cell enrichment, cytolytic activity, and PD-L1 expression in HCC. It suggests that these proteins’ expression could be useful biomarkers for the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors Similiarly, we identified other types of biomarkers potentially useful for predicting the response to ICIs, including miRNAs (hsa-miR-511-5p, 150-3p, 342-3p, 181a-3p, 625-5p, 4772-3p, 155-3p, 142-5p, 142-3p, 155-5p, 625-3p, 1976, 7702), many lncRNAs, and pathways (apoptosis, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, Jak-STAT signaling, MAPK signaling, PI3K-AKT signaling, HIF-1 signaling, ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion, and estrogen signaling). Further, tumor mutation burden showed no significant correlation with antitumor immunity, while tumor aneuploidy levels showed a significant negative correlation with antitumor immunity. Conclusion: The molecular features significantly associated with HCC immunity could be predictive biomarkers for immunotherapeutic responses in HCC patients. They could also be potential intervention targets for boosting antitumor immunity and immunotherapeutic responses in HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qianyun Shen
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yin He
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiajie Qian
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Biomedical Informatics Research Lab, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Cancer Genomics Research Center, School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- Big Data Research Institute, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaosheng Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Liu K, Wu J, Xu Y, Li D, Huang S, Mao Y. Efficacy and Safety of Regorafenib with or without PD-1 Inhibitors as Second-Line Therapy for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Real-World Clinical Practice. Onco Targets Ther 2022; 15:1079-1094. [PMID: 36212725 PMCID: PMC9534176 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s383685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Regorafenib is the first oral targeted drug as a second-line agent in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who progressed on sorafenib treatment. Recently, several studies demonstrated that the combination of regorafenib and PD-1 inhibitors showed a synergistic effect. Our study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of regorafenib with PD-1 inhibitors (RP) and regorafenib alone (R) as second-line treatment for advanced HCC. Methods From October 2018 to January 2022, our retrospective study evaluated advanced HCC patients who received regorafenib with PD-1 inhibitors or regorafenib alone as a second-line treatment at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, China. The efficacy and safety were compared between RP and R groups. Results In total, 78 patients were enrolled in our study and were separated into two groups – RP group (48) and R group (30) – according to the criteria. The ORR of RP group and R group was 18.8% and 10%, respectively, and the DCR was 66.7% and 43.3%, respectively. The RP group had a longer mPFS (5.9 months vs 3.0 months, P<0.001) and mOS (12.9 months vs 10.3 months, P=0.010) than the R group. Regorafenib monotherapy is an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. In OS, subgroup analysis showed that patients with AFP ≥ 400ng/mL, BCLC C stage and extrahepatic metastasis may benefit from RP, while in PFS, subgroup analysis showed that patients with BCLC C stage, AFP ≥ 400ng/mL, extrahepatic metastasis, ALBI ≥-2.60 and first-line treatment of sorafenib may benefit from RP. The incidence of grade 3/4 adverse reaction in the two groups was 22.9% and 23.3%, respectively, with no significant statistically difference (P=0.966). Conclusion In the second-line therapy of advanced HCC, compared to regorafenib alone, the combination of regorafenib and PD-1 inhibitors showed promising efficacy and tolerable drug toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kan Liu
- Department of Digestive Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianbing Wu
- Department of Digestive Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongkang Xu
- Department of Digestive Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Digestive Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenlang Huang
- Department of Digestive Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ye Mao
- Department of Digestive Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Nanchang, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Ye Mao, Email
| |
Collapse
|