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Liefaard MC, van der Voort A, van Seijen M, Thijssen B, Sanders J, Vonk S, Mittempergher L, Bhaskaran R, de Munck L, van Leeuwen-Stok AE, Salgado R, Horlings HM, Lips EH, Sonke GS. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in HER2-positive breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and dual HER2-blockade. NPJ Breast Cancer 2024; 10:29. [PMID: 38637568 PMCID: PMC11026378 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-024-00636-4] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been associated with outcomes in HER2-positive breast cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy and trastuzumab. However, it remains unclear if TILs could be a prognostic and/or predictive biomarker in the context of dual HER2-targeting treatment. In this study, we evaluated the association between TILs and pathological response (pCR) and invasive-disease free survival (IDFS) in 389 patients with stage II-III HER2 positive breast cancer who received neoadjuvant anthracycline-containing or anthracycline-free chemotherapy combined with trastuzumab and pertuzumab in the TRAIN-2 trial. Although no significant association was seen between TILs and pCR, patients with TIL scores ≥60% demonstrated an excellent 3-year IDFS of 100% (95% CI 100-100), regardless of hormone receptor status, nodal stage and attainment of pCR. Additionally, in patients with hormone receptor positive disease, TILs as a continuous variable showed a trend to a positive association with pCR (adjusted Odds Ratio per 10% increase in TILs 1.15, 95% CI 0.99-1.34, p = 0.070) and IDFS (adjusted Hazard Ratio per 10% increase in TILs 0.71, 95% CI 0.50-1.01, p = 0.058). We found no interactions between TILs and anthracycline treatment. Our results suggest that high TIL scores might be able to identify stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer patients with a favorable prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Liefaard
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A van der Voort
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M van Seijen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - B Thijssen
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J Sanders
- Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Vonk
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Core Facility Molecular Pathology & Biobanking, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L Mittempergher
- Department of Research and Development, Agendia NV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Bhaskaran
- Department of Research and Development, Agendia NV, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L de Munck
- Department of Research and Development, Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A E van Leeuwen-Stok
- Dutch Breast Cancer Research Group, BOOG Study Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - R Salgado
- Department of Pathology, GZA-ZNA Hospitals, Wilrijk, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - H M Horlings
- Department of Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E H Lips
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - G S Sonke
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Yee EJ, Gilbert D, Kaplan J, Wani S, Kim SS, McCarter MD, Stewart CL. Effect of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Resectable Gastric Cancer: Analysis from a Western Academic Center. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1428. [PMID: 38611107 PMCID: PMC11010931 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are an emerging biomarker predictive of response to immunotherapy across a spectrum of solid organ malignancies. The characterization of TILs in gastric cancer (GC) treated with contemporary, multiagent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) is understudied. In this retrospective investigation, we analyzed the degree of infiltration, phenotype, and spatial distribution of TILs via immunohistochemistry within resected GC specimens treated with or without NAC at a Western center. We hypothesized that NAC executes immunostimulatory roles, as evidenced by an increased number of anti-tumor TILs in the tumor microenvironment. We found significantly elevated levels of conventional and memory CD8+ T cells, as well as total TILs (CD4+, CD8+, Treg, B cells), within chemotherapy-treated tumors compared with chemotherapy-naïve specimens. We also revealed important associations between survival and pathologic responses with enhanced TIL infiltration. Taken together, our findings advocate for an immunostimulatory role of chemotherapy and underscore the potential synergistic effect of combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy in resectable gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott J. Yee
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.G.); (M.D.M.); (C.L.S.)
| | - Danielle Gilbert
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.G.); (M.D.M.); (C.L.S.)
| | - Jeffrey Kaplan
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Sachin Wani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Sunnie S. Kim
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO 80045, USA;
| | - Martin D. McCarter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.G.); (M.D.M.); (C.L.S.)
| | - Camille L. Stewart
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (D.G.); (M.D.M.); (C.L.S.)
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Rosa ML, Reinert T, Pauletto MM, Sartori G, Graudenz M, Barrios CH. Implications of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in early-stage triple-negative breast cancer: clinical oncologist perspectives. TRANSLATIONAL BREAST CANCER RESEARCH : A JOURNAL FOCUSING ON TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN BREAST CANCER 2023; 5:4. [PMID: 38751669 PMCID: PMC11093080 DOI: 10.21037/tbcr-23-43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common neoplasm in women worldwide and one of the leading causes of female death. The triple-negative subtype, characterized by the absence of hormone receptor (HR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), tends to occur in younger patients, be more aggressive and less differentiated. Furthermore, this subtype is considered the most immunogenic and associated with higher levels of tumor cell infiltration, mainly lymphocytes. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) play a crucial role in the interaction of the host's immune system and cancer cells. The microenvironment is critical in tumor development and progression. Assessment of infiltrating lymphocytes can provide valuable information about the immune response and, given the lack of biomarkers to guide treatment decisions and predict outcomes in triple-negative tumors and can be considered as a potential biomarker. Some evidence suggests that higher levels of these lymphocytes are associated with better responses to systemic treatment, longer progression-free survival and overall survival (OS). However, treatment escalation or de-escalation strategies for triple-negative BC (TNBC) currently do not consider the presence or density of TILs for therapeutic decisions. TILs appear to be useful predictive and prognostic indicators. Further clinical studies are needed to confirm these relationships and integrate TILs as a biomarker consistently into clinical practice. This article summarizes key concepts relating to the role of the immune infiltrate in BC, along with the current status and future prospects regarding TILs as a predictive and prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahira Lopes Rosa
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tomas Reinert
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Grupo Brasileiro de Estudos em Câncer de Mama (GBECAM), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Guilherme Sartori
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Centro de Pesquisa da Serra Gaúcha (CEPESG), Caxias do Sul, Brazil
| | - Marcia Graudenz
- Postgraduate Program in Medical Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Pathology, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carlos Henrique Barrios
- Oncoclínicas, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Latin American Cooperative Oncology Group (LACOG), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Kotsifaki A, Alevizopoulos N, Dimopoulou V, Armakolas A. Unveiling the Immune Microenvironment's Role in Breast Cancer: A Glimpse into Promising Frontiers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15332. [PMID: 37895012 PMCID: PMC10607694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), one of the most widespread and devastating diseases affecting women worldwide, presents a significant public health challenge. This review explores the emerging frontiers of research focused on deciphering the intricate interplay between BC cells and the immune microenvironment. Understanding the role of the immune system in BC is critical as it holds promise for novel therapeutic approaches and precision medicine strategies. This review delves into the current literature regarding the immune microenvironment's contribution to BC initiation, progression, and metastasis. It examines the complex mechanisms by which BC cells interact with various immune cell populations, including tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Furthermore, this review highlights the impact of immune-related factors, such as cytokines and immune checkpoint molecules. Additionally, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on the potential biomarkers associated with the immune response in BC, enabling early diagnosis and prognostic assessment. The therapeutic implications of targeting the immune microenvironment are also explored, encompassing immunotherapeutic strategies and combination therapies to enhance treatment efficacy. The significance of this review lies in its potential to pave the way for novel therapeutic interventions, providing clinicians and researchers with essential knowledge to design targeted and personalized treatment regimens for BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (N.A.); (V.D.)
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Atay C, Medina-Echeverz J, Hochrein H, Suter M, Hinterberger M. Armored modified vaccinia Ankara in cancer immunotherapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 379:87-142. [PMID: 37541728 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy relies on unleashing the patient´s immune system against tumor cells. Cancer vaccines aim to stimulate both the innate and adaptive arms of immunity to achieve durable clinical responses. Some roadblocks for a successful cancer vaccine in the clinic include the tumor antigen of choice, the adjuvants employed to strengthen antitumor-specific immune responses, and the risks associated with enhancing immune-related adverse effects in patients. Modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) belongs to the family of poxviruses and is a versatile vaccine platform that combines several attributes crucial for cancer therapy. First, MVA is an excellent inducer of innate immune responses leading to type I interferon secretion and induction of T helper cell type 1 (Th1) immune responses. Second, it elicits robust and durable humoral and cellular immunity against vector-encoded heterologous antigens. Third, MVA has enormous genomic flexibility, which allows for the expression of multiple antigenic and costimulatory entities. And fourth, its replication deficit in human cells ensures a excellent safety profile. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of how MVA induces innate and adaptive immune responses. Furthermore, we will give an overview of the tumor-associated antigens and immunomodulatory molecules that have been used to armor MVA and describe their clinical use. Finally, the route of MVA immunization and its impact on therapeutic efficacy depending on the immunomodulatory molecules expressed will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cigdem Atay
- Bavarian Nordic GmbH, Fraunhoferstr.13, Planegg, Germany
| | | | | | - Mark Suter
- Prof. em. University of Zurich, Switzerland
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